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A^ICE-V- SAMUELS' 




Class__?3_3-S_:3:2L 
Book _J. 13 ri__ 
Copyright )^^'_:_]-l^^- 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



/ 



75 3^3-1 

I a o ^ — 



jIlBRARYof CONG R ESS 1 
I Two Copies Received 

NOV 18 I9U4 

CLASS au xXc, Noi 
COPY 6. 



Copyright 1903, 1904, by 
MAURICE V. SAMUELS 

ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL, LONDON 

All rig /its reserved 
(Printed in the United States) 



TO MY PARENTS 



^b 



I 



N those dark periods of self-distrust, 

When Inspiration, sleeping, seems away, 
And Night refuses promise of the Day, 
If then we toil, 'tis only that we must. 
And not because we know that All is just. 

Or that the struggling Self is more than clay, 
Ill-fitted and faint-hearted for the fray 
Which offers, tho' we conquer, but Life's crust. 
What then recalls the courage that we miss ? 
What holds our Faith alive and gives us power 

To trample thicket and to wing abyss ? 
'Tis that eternal, never wasting dower : 

The trust of those who love us. It is this 
That turns our empty time to fruitful hour. 

October 3, igo4 



CHARACTERS 



Benvenuto Cellini Ai Forty-Jive 

CosiMO De Medici Duke of Florence 

Marsilio Giotto Cellini's Apprentice 

Baccio Bandinello A Rival of Cellini 

Alfonso Da Trotti . . . A Gentleman of Florence 
Pier Francesco Riccio . . Major Domo to the Duke 
Giovan Battista "] 

JacopO Pontormo \ . . Artists, friends of Cellini 
Lelio Torello J 

Vittorio Bargello of Florence 

The Duchess of Florence . Wife of Cosimo Dd Medici 
Lady Leonora Rucellai . Her Friend and Cosimo's 

Ward 

Federiga . . , Cellini's Model 

A Soldier 

Time of Play, 1545 

Place: Florence 



SYNOPSIS 



ACT I 



Scene I. — Dining-hall in the Jiouse of Pontormo, the 
painter. {Afternoon.) 

Scene II. — Garden of Palace of DuKE CosiMO. {Eve- 
ning of the same day.) 

ACT II 

Scene I. — Workshop and Studio of Cellini. {A few 
days later.) 

Scene II. — A Room in the Palace. {Ten minutes after- 
ward. ) 

ACT III 
Another Room in the Palace. {Five weeks have elapsed.^ 



ACT I 



Scene I. — Dining-hall in the house of JACOPO 
PONTORMO, a Painter, in Flore^ice. It is 
about four i7i the aftemooii. In gay attire ^ 
all (PoNTORMO ayid his guests) are seated 
about a table. The repast completed, a ser- 
vant is kept busy refilling glasses. 

Discovered : Jacopo Pontormo, Giovan BaT- 
TiSTA, you?ig and light-hearted. Alfonso 
Da TrotTI, a gallant of sixty. lyELiO To- 
rELIvO, the husband of an intellectual woman. 
Baccio Bandinello, cold and precise. {At 
table drinking, and talking boisterously. ) 



Da TroTTi (rising and keeping his feet with some 

diffictilty, in heroic attitude) 
Friends, liken me unto an argosy, 
Still stanch and daring, tho' I rock and reel 
In this mad tumult of a reddened sea. 
TORELLO . 

Da Trotti is a poet ! 

Battista 
In his cups! 



12 THE FLORENTINES 

Da Trotti 
Behold me grappled by a pirate crew, 
Who would extort my most unwilling story ! 

ToRELIvO 
Oh, tell your tale curtailed ! Who is the lady ? 

Bandinello 
Aye, we would toast her, beauty or no beauty. 

Da Trotti 
Your interruptions are the wintry blasts. 
Too sudden and tempestuous for welcome. 
I sail too boldly, too much canvas spread. 
For me to reach a port — 

[In gesticulating , he pushes his chair from 
its place, and pauses^ confused. 

BatTista (^forcing him into the chair) 
Or seat in safety ! 

Bandinello {rising) 
Could I forego my common sense for didlion, 
I would declare that you have navigated 
Full quite as many oceans, and have crossed 
Not one less bar than some gay gondola, 



THE FLORENTINES 13 

Painted and gilded, fragile as a leaf, 
Has, in the streets of Venice. {Scornfully) Argosy ! 

\He sits down. 
Da Trotti {angrily) 
You, sir, resemble more some fisher's craft. 
Filled high with cold and clammy and dead 
things, 

PONTORNO 

Come, come, our cups await! 

Battista 

My throat's a furrow 
That, parched and aching, craves refreshing 
draught. 

Da Trotti 
Well, then, your ears! Since each has told his 

story 
Of rare good fortune found 'mid gracious ladies, 
Shall I prove recreant to Aphrodite, 
Deny that I am young enough for favors ? 

Bandinello 
If you would have us all believe. Da Trotti, 
Your ripened years can move soft hearts to love 
Rather than to derision, specify ! 



14 THE FLORENTINES 

Da Trotti 
Her name! Why, gentlemen, there's more than 

one! 
So many truly that I scarce recall 
Which was the last to turn sweet glance upon 
me. 

ToRELl,o {laughing) 
A connoisseur who knows not gems apart, 
Although he boasts so goodly a colledtion. 

Bandinello {coldly') 
'Tis but evasion. Give the lady's name! 

Da Trotti {defiantly) 
Well, 'twas Cassandra Mantuano, friends! 

Bandinello {scornfully) 
Da Trotti won Cassandra Mantuano! 

Da Trotti {angrily) 
Believe it as you will. I know the truth. 

\Some confusion outside. Enter Cellini 
and Marsilio, l. 2, e. All show 
pleasure but Bandinei,i*o. 



THE FLORENTINES 15 

Cellini 
Count it rare fortune that you now behold me ! 

[Marsilio mingles with others, who have 
risen and surround them. 
TORELLO 
Good Benvenuto, was she dark or fair ? 

Cellini 
Dark, being bronze! That impatient Duke, you 

see, 
Was so enamored of a vase I cast 
For his good Duchess that he kept me prisoner — 
Yes, held me thus (^grasping his own doubled) 

until I gave my promise 
That I would work to-morrow on its mate. 

[Sinking into a chair. 
Oh! What a thing it is to be an artist ! 
( Very seriously^ Do you know, friends, I seldom 
get my sleep! 

PONTORMO 

Forget your labors. Try some warm Chianti ! 

[Cellini drinks. 
Ha! Good! Your friend, Marsilio! Most wel- 
come. 



1 6 THE FI.ORENTINES 

Da Trotti 
Now here's a man who cannot match one summer 
'Gainst two of mine — a very young man, this! 

Battista 
Say three, Da Trotti, and be nearer truth. 

Da Trotti 
Well, then, smiles greeted me ere you were born! 
So be it! I suppose 'tis safe to say 
You credit his all inexperienced youth 
With triumphs you deny maturity. 
Again, so be it! What you do not know 
You lack the wit to know you do not know. 

Battista {addressing Marsilio) 
You come in time to make your contribution, 
So that, according to the splendid custom 
Of this Society of Mirth Provokers, 
We may congratulate a fellow member 
And incidentally regale our ears. 

Marsilio 
What is it you require ? Call it done. 

Celuni 
These rascals, whom the foolish folk of Florence 

{Pointing to each. 



THE FLORENTINES 17 

Call artists, men of letters — and poor wits — 

Make it a rule, my dear Marsilio, 

At these reunions, in the name of friendship, 

To tell what prett)'^ feat of archery 

With Cupid's arrow they have last achieved. 

'Tis sad we come so late! 

Da Trotti 

In other words, 
It is our pleasing method to describe 
The fair ones who have yielded to our spells 
And thus to share delight. 

l^Moves tmsteadily. 

Marsilio (^coldly') 

'Tis new to me. 
And I shall ask permission to be silent. 

CEIvLINI 

These are my friends. And this requirement 

Is quite a simple one, and very just. 

Shall Pleasure have his fill, and then deny 

Companionship the mere description of it ? 

Marsilio, this is no case for scruple ! 

I would not blame you for such reticence 



THE FLORENTINES 



If friends should ask the secret of some art 
To bring the lustre to a deadened stone, 
Or of original sword-pass for defense, 
Or of ingenious method to cast metal — 

\Turning to others. 
And, by the way, Cellini's not a goldsmith — 
However famed the balance of his days — 
Who shrinks from the high labor of the sculptor! 

PONTORMO (^cordially') 
Why should you not, Cellini, match your skill 
'Gainst Michael Angelo's? 

Battista 

Your blood is warmer 
[ With wave for a toast. 
And your imagination — well — Cellini ! 

\They drink. Bandinello merely pre- 
tends to do so. 
Da Trotti {pointing to Marsii,io, who sits 
moodily apart) 
The youth! I'll wager that he has been looking 
Too long into the depths of violet eyes {as if see- 
ing such in the air before him), 



THE FLORENTINES 19 

Or blue, or gray, or brown — they 're much alike! — 
Too long, I say, for — what was it I meant ? 
Mine host, Pontormo, 'tis a heady wine — 

\Supporting hiviself by hand on chair. 
Da Trotti, now you have your wits again! 
Young man, stand up, and with great eloquence 
Tell us — well, tell of your last love affair I 

\Sinks into chair. 
Battista 
Or we'll expel you from our company — 
The gayest wits, the lightest hearts of Florence. 
\Cordial endorsetnent of sentiment. 

CE1.1.INI {modestly) 
And some there are who are not without fame. 

\All laugh and 7iod approvingly, except 
Bandinello. 
Praise me not overmuch. ( Very seriously') Heaven 
aids me. 

Pontormo. 
Which proves the Lord is very merciful 
To confessed sinners, gallant Benvenuto! 



20 THE FI.ORENTINES 

Da TroTTi {with a sweeping gesture) 
I am the only man in this assemblage 
Who can remember what he wants! The story! 

ToRELLO {turning to Marsilio) 
Aye, who is she? And when and where did 

you 
Encounter her ? And is she a brunette, 
Or has she eyes like our Italian sky ? 
And is her hair as tawny as the lion's 
The King of Portugal sends to the Pope ? 

[Marsilio rises protestingly . 

Bandinei^LO {rising and waving Marsii,io 
down^ 
Pray take your seat, Marsilio, and I 
Who have done honor to my latest triumph 
Shall furnish you criteria of beauty 
Before you venture to portray her. Here ! 

[Pompously displaying manuscript. 
Behold ! Notes of Firenzuola's lecture 
On Female Beauty, given at a gathering 
Of wives and daughters of learned Florentines. 
[All manifest incredulity. 



THE FLORENTINES 21 

TORELLO 
I have no doubt my wife was there. But who 
Gave memoranda to cold Bandinello ? 

Bandinello 
Bandinello! 

T0RE1.1.0 
Why, you cannot mean — 
You heard a lecture meant for ladies only ? 

Bandinello 
Just so ! I thought it might prove interesting. 
I borrowed clothes from Pantasilea — 

[Cellini starts angrily. 
( Tauntingly) Nay, nay, Cellini ! There are 

others favored ! 
And then some rouge, some paste, a dainty per- 
fume, 
Affe(5led walk, a manner supercilious, 
A mood of silence — and I heard the ledlure ! 

[Much merriment. 
Battista 
Firenzuola ! That great theorist ! 
Methinks I could deliver such a discourse. 



22 THE FLORENTINES 

Bandineli^o 
Firenzuola said — 

ToRELi,o 

How long is it ? 

Battista 
Epitomize ! 

Da Trotti 
We want Marsilio's tale ! 
Bandinello {annoyed by interruptions, and re- 
ferring to memorandum) 
The hair — thick, long, and silky. Skin — 

ToREi,i,o 

Peach-like! 
Bandinei,i,o 
No ; clear and light, but not dead white. The 

eyebrows — 
Dark and silky, middle strongly marked — 

Cellini {authoritatively) 
But shading off — 

Bandinello {coldly) 

Yes, toward the ears and nose. 
The whites o' the eyes just faintly tinged with 
blue. 



THE FLORENTINES 23 

Battista 
The eyes themselves — not the protruding kind ? 

BANDINELI.0 
Ivarge, full, well-formed; the color — each his taste! 
The lids— 

Da Trotti 
What of the lids ? I like the languid sort. 

Bandinello 
White save for red veins most invisible — 
The hollow round the eye — 

TORELLO 

Alas ! the morning ! 

BANDINEL1.0 
Should show the color of the cheek. The ears 
With edge of a transparent ruddiness — 

Da Trotti 
Like pomegranates — 

TORELLO 

Hush, old reprobate ! 

Da Trotti 
You speak of years as if they checked experience f 



24 THE FI.QRENTINES 

Bandinello {^emphatically^ 

Firenzuola said the nose — 

Battista 

Is Greek ! 

CsirLiNi {thoughtfully) 
But not too straight for strength — 

Battista 

Ivike mine ! 

BANDINELI.O {rapidly, to prevent interruption) 

Should recede gently and most uniformly. 

But where the cartilage comes to an end 

An elevation there may be, if slight, 

And yet the nose must not be aquiline. 

The mouth — 

Da Trotti {longingly) 

What of the mouth? — that glorious throne of 

lyove ! 

Bandinello 

Since sometimes, by an accident, 'tis open, 

Care must be taken lest more than six teeth 

Should be revealed. 

Da Trotti {disgusted) 

Firenzuola 's stupid ! 



THE FLORENTINES 25 

Bandinello 
The lips— 

Da Trotti 
Ah, now give something worth the hearing ! 

BandinELI,o (maliciously^ 
Should never be too thin. 

T0RELI.0 (^chuckling) 

My wife heard that ! 

Bandinello 
A dimple — 

Cellini {thoughtfully') 

'Tis an adjun(5t! Not essential! 

Bandinello 
But welcome, says my lecturer, as is 
The tempting smile that sometimes lights the 

corner — 
The left — of a small mouth — 

Battista {dissenting ly) 

Why always small ? 

ToRELLO {as one of experience) 
To hide, if but a moment, ample tongue. 



26 THE FLORENTINES 

BandineIwLO {much annoyed) 
Wlio heard Firenzuola, you or I ? 

[Hurries along. 
The chin is most important — should be round, 
Not pointed, not curved outward, ever growing 
Reddened a trifle as it rises. The shoulders — 

Da Trotti {rising to his feet) 
What of the shoulders ? Hearken ! My opinion — 

Celi^ini 
Is based on mere conjecture. 
TORELI^O 

And hence useless. 
\Pulling him down. 
Da Trotti 
Well, I know things! But never mind, I'm old! 

BANDINEIvIvO 

My notes are blurred. No matter. Now the 

hands! 

Da Trotti 

How you digress. I would that I had heard 

The treatise! 

Battista 

Ah! if you had heard, Da Trotti! 



THE FLORENTINES 27 

Bandinei,i,o {hurriedly) 
The hand, white toward the wrist, but large and 

plump 
And soft as velvet. Then the space between 
The forefinger and thumb must not show 

wrinkles. 
The pointed fingers that some prize so highly 
He does not like. Well, have I said enough ? 

Da TroTTi {indignantly) 
Should you leave out the best part of the ledlure — 
Stop where you should commence ? 

Cellini {irritatingly) 

He does — in art ! 
Bandinello {excitedly) 
I'll have you know, you boasting blusterer, 
That Bandinello does not see a rival 
In such a so-called artist as Cellini ! 

Cellini 
Thank God there are in Florence men who can 
Appreciate my work ! But Bandinello' s — 
Bah ! 'Tis good wine {drinks); I must not spoil 
the flavor. 



28 THE FI.ORENTINES 

PoNTORMO (^quickly') 
Come, come, we are all friends ! No feeling 

here ! 
I^et Florence judge now, and Posterity 
When we are — ^where we shall be. 

\All laugh. 
Drink— to Art ! 

CEIvLINI 

The only mistress really worth the loving ! 

Battista 
The Goddess who has made our Florence — Flor- 
ence ! 

Da Trotti {hand on heart) 
The means whereby the Beauty that I love 
May some day show her face to others. Drink ! 

[All drink. 
ToREi<i.O 
I think good wine is Art personified. 

Da Tkotti 
What scat' ring brains are here ! Only Da Trotti 
Sober, or thus inspired, never fails — 
To know what he desires. Here's a youth 



THE FLORENTINES 29 

Who sits in moodiness and makes no speeches. 
Have you forgotten he owes us confession ? 

Cei^IvINI {throwing an arm about Marsilio) 
What ails you, boy ? You leave your wine un- 
tasted ! 

PONTORMO 

We are a merry set in Florence. Drink ! 
Think j oy ous thoughts ! Care vanished long ago ! 
Pleasure and Art combined their strength against 

her 
And drove her out of Italy ! Marsilio, 
Would you expel her memory ? Chianti ! 

Da Trotti 
Or, better, tell us all about the lady — 
For there is one, or I am an old fool. 

Battista 
Say "And," Da Trotti— " And," not "Or"! 

Say "And" ! 

Da Trotti 
Ah, now I think of it! A noble lady 
To whom I paid some compliments last week 
Inquired your name as you saluted us. 
Is she the one, Marsilio ? I yield her. 



30 THE FLORENTINES 

TORElvI<0 

And I know one who threw you tempting glances 
There at the Baths. 

Ckllini 

And there are many others. 
My fair friends quite negledl me for Marsilio. 
"Upon my faith, were there not more in Florence, 
I might grow jealous of my new apprentice! 

Bandinello 
Well, is it one of us you have succeeded ? 

Marsiwo (^starting indignantly) 
It is intolerable, gentlemen, 
That you refer to her thus lightly. Cease! 

[ToRELLO and Battista nod approvingly. 

Da Trotti 
Ah! When we're young, at least then we have 
faith. 

PONTORMO 

{loudly, to distract attention from Marsilio) 
'Tis said the noble lady, Laura Vinci, 
Writes passionate letters — and to whom, think 
you? 



THE FLORENTINES 31 

B ATTISTA ( hit crested ) 
Who is the favored man ? 

PONTORMO (^laiighingly) 

Her husband. Fancy! 

Cellini (^cy^iically) 
Quite an example! Should too many follow, 
An end to Merriuess! Bah! there's no danger! 

Da TrotTi {^rising and pointing^ 
Marsilio, the story ! Story! story! 

Marsilio {rising^ 
You force me to it. For I have no heart — 

TORELLO 
Of course not, it is in her custody. 

Marsilio 
To speak of her to you. 

Bandinello (^starting up') 

You are a stranger! 
And otherwise, friends, is this not affront ? 

[Reaches for his sword. 
Battista 
Bandinello, if you want some sword play, 
My friend Cellini — 



32 THE FI.ORENTINES 

CelIvINI {drawing his blade) 

Has in mind the judgment 
You passed upon his skill before the Duke! 

PONTORMO {stepping between belligerents) 
The man who picks a quarrel drinks three bot- 
tles! 

\All draw swords^ laughing. 

Da Trotti 
How can he tell it while you keep up wrangling ? 

TORELI^O 

Silence and peace! We'll hear Marsilio! 

Marsii<io {rising) 
I do a wrong to speak — 

PONTORMO 

You compliment her! 

MARSIIvIO 

Do you remember, Benvenuto, what 

You said to me about an aureole 

You chanced to notice haloing your brow ? 

[CeIvI^ini nods, pleased. 
A luminous ring, a circle of soft light, 



THE FLORENTINES 33 

Much like the glory we ascribe to men 
Who dedicate their lives to saintliness. 

Cellini (^very serious I 
'Tis there ! And it is strange, surpassing strange, 
That I alone can see it. For 'tis there ! 

Bandinello (mockingly) 
The favorite of Heaven ! See ! Cellini ! 

\Friends qtiiet CELLINI. 
Marsilio {pleasantly) 
Having in mind the thought it might appear 
To you — and you alone — but as result 
Of light refledled on the dewy grass — 

Cellini {indignantly) 
Why, nonsense, man, 'tis something spiritual ! 

Marcilio 
I spent an idle hour upon a roof j 
Where a good friend of mine enjoys his garden, 
Observing how the sun can cause such marvels. 

Cellini {anxiously) 
And you believe — 

Marsilio 

The halo 's light refledled. 



34 THE FLORENTINES 

Cellini (^disgustedly') 
Fool Science ! I believe what I believe ! 

Marsilio {inspirationally) 
Then suddenly I saw no aureole, 
No azure sky, no flowers at my feet; 
It seemed as if the Goddess Aphrodite, 
Fearing her shrines and not herself were wor- 
shiped, 
Had snatched the beauties from the universe, 
Resolved to wear them for her own adornment. 
And then, that she might manifest to mortal. 
Had merged her being with an earthly maiden's ! 
There in the sunlight, on a neighboring roof, 
I saw such marvelous vision that could one 
Who for his sins must face perpetual torment 
Behold it ere he died, then in the fires of Hell 
He would believe himself in Paradise. 

Cellini (^sharply to Bandinello, who starts to 
interrupt) 

Bandinello, if you interrupt him 
With sour saying, I shall make of you 
No more than a distasteful memory. 



THE FLORENTINES 35 

Bandinello {to MarsiIvIO, irritably^ 
Proceed. 

Marsilio 
Perhaps just stepping from her bath, 
She wore a simple gown of purest white 
That draped j-et half revealed her form, as is 
So wonderfully done by Angelo — 

Cellini {e?ithusiastically') 
A man to whom Cellini might be debtor ! 

Marsilio 
Enthralled, I gazed upon her. I have seen 
The beautiful of Este, Naples, Florence. 
Compeer with her cannot be found among them ! 
All unexpedled came a gust of wind. 
Protestant that such beauty should be hidden, 
It swept the garment, loosening the brooch 
That held it as a cloud about her form. 
The little maid who held her moistened hair 
To mesh the golden sunlight, let it fall 
And gazed no less in rapturous admiration. 

Da Trotti 
Had I but studied aureoles, companions ! 



36 THE FI^ORENTINES 

Marsilio 
Such was I^ove's incarnation. Swift she caught 
The yielding fabric, and replaced the brooch. 
Then she saw me. I gazed into her eyes. 
The body, model for Firenzuola, 
I/OSt its apparent beauty when compared 
To the pure soul light in her dreamy eyes. 
That too I saw revealed ! And it is that, 
Too marvelous to paint in words or colors, 
That prompts me to declare in all the world 

( challengiyigly ) 
There is no other like her ! 

Da Trotti {quietly') 

I once knew one 
lyike that ! She died ! Well, never mind — go on. 

Marsilio 
Diana must have looked at Adleon 
As she at me. And yet in her dismay 
And indignation was an element 
I cannot analyze. Across my eyes 

\Slo'wly drawing hand across eyes. 
I drew my hand, and stepped down from the 
garden. 



THE FLORENTINES 37 

I thought she did the same, for on my mind 

Is vividly impressed an arm of coloring 

So exquisite that Rafaello fails 

To match its tint — an arm of mould most faultless! 

Celi<ini {excitedly) 
The arm ! Talk more of that ! I have my reason, 

Marsii^io 
What language makes perfedlion still more per- 
fea? 

Da Trotti (^enthusiastically) 
Now we must toast that lady. Give her name ! 

Cellini (^excitedly) 
Yes, quickly that ! Marsilio, I want it. 

Marsilio 
No ! No ! I have already said too much. 

\A servant enters with letters on a salver^ 
and proceeds to distribute them among 
the guests. 

PONTORMO 
Lest you should hasten, friends, back to your 
lodgings, 



38 THE FLORENTINES 

Desirous of perusing messages 
From fair ones who would claim the evening, 
I sent my servant on the rounds, and here 
Behold the notes that waited you at home. 

[^All laugh. 

BANDiNEiyLO {importantly, as he glances at the one 

given to him) 
An urgent message from the Duke of Florence. 

[Looking at Celi*ini. 
So generous a patron must not wait ! 

\_Exit L. 2. E. 

Cellini {pushing his letter aside unopened — ex- 

asperated) 
It makes me protest in the name of Art 
To see how Cosimo wastes golden ducats 
On Bandinello's miserable statues. 

Da Trotti {with affected calmness) 
I deem myself excused if I depart 
In haste. This will explain. Fare ye as well ! 

[Throwing letter, open, upo7t table. Exit 
Da Trotti, l. 2. e. 



THE FLORENTINES 39 

ToRELLO {readi?ig it aloud') 
' ' Alfonso Da Trotti is too gallant a gentleman 
to keep the impatient Imperia waiting one minute 
after the fifteenth hour — at her home. ' ' 

Cellini (^taking the note) 
Let me see that. It is as I suspedted ! 
That "I," that " T " ! It is Da Trotti's hand ! 
And what an inartistic penman ! He 
Goes to his home, the while Imperia — 
ToRELLO {reading his note) 
Meets me ! The very one by whom I'm sum- 
moned. 

[iS';^// ToRELLO, L. 2. E. BaTTISTA, pitk- 
ing up several in disgust, tears them 
up unopened) 

Cellini 
You seem to know their contents. 

Battista 

I suppose 

I'd better go and pay them all — in promises. 

These merchants ! How they put a man to 

trouble ! 

\^Exit Battista, l. 2. e. Servant whis- 
pers to PONTORMO. 



40 THE FLORENTINES 

PONTORMO {looking disturbed') 
By all means, one more glass before you go. 

CEIvLINI 

Before we go ! I wonder who's in there ! 

\Points to dooj'. 

Nay, nay, Pontormo ! lycave us. We forgive 

you. 
Marsilio and I would speak awhile. 

[Exit Pontormo, r, 3. e. 

CeIyI^ini {very earnestly') 
Marsilo, 'twas never meant by Nature 
That I should be a goldsmith all my days, 
{Thoughtfully) Tho' 'tis a craft most honorable, 

and one 
Which wins the friendship of the Pope himself. 
And brings me means to live and great renown, 
{Proudly) But I, the friend of Michael Angelo — 
He ranks me high, and he is a good judge — 
Have loftier ambitions, as you know. 
For through and through I am an artist. Even 
{Confidentially) In that accursed music I am a 

genius. 



THE FI.ORENTINES 41 

{E7ithused) But sculpture ! There in marble to 

record, 
Forever, the great skill of Benvenuto 
Cellini — that is worthy of me ! That 
Is what Nature intended me to do ! 

Marsilio {heartily') 
Beyond a question ! Would that I could serve 

you ! 
For, Benvenuto, none to friendship truer 
Than you ! When as a refugee I came 
Friendless to Florence, your inventive mind 
Suggested the disguise which makes me safe 
From spies and from assassins. In your service — 
Apprentice to the foremost goldsmith living, 
{Graciously) Who will be foremost sculptor — who 

would guess 
Marsilio Giotto is the heir — 

Cellini {wamingly) 
On guard ! One knows not what his shadow 

hears ! 
Well, now's your chance to serve me, for I know 
You love me well, as I do you. That girl {petu- 
lantly) 



42 THE FI^ORENTINES 

Federiga, tho' she postures well — 

I never had a better model or 

A more affectionate one — has such an arm 

'Twould ruin me to copy it. I want 

The arm you saw, and hence the lady's name. 

MarsiIwIO {^starting back in dismay^ 
What ! She pose as your model ! She your 

model ! 
The chain that binds me to you has each link 
Of love or gratitude, or your suggestion, 
Your barest thought of such a consummation. 
Would snap it in the instant ! 

Ce;i<i.ini 

You refuse me ? 

Marsilio 

Put me to any other supreme test ! 

Cellini, ask me anything but that! 

Ce;i<i.ini {loftily) 
Surely the company of Benvenuto 
Cellini is a thing some lovely women 
Have not regarded with disfavor. But 
I need not argue that. My reputation — 



THE FLORENTINES 43 

Marsiwo {in a friendly manner) 

As loyal friend, as artist's soul embodied, 
As the one man who is — Cellini ! Yes, 
All that I know, as does all Italy. 
But as the man in whom a woman can 
Place trust — 

Cellini {checking Marsilio with a gesture) 

It is but my experience 
With them that causes me so to regard 
All but my mother and my stupid sister. 
Bah! Shall a woman stand 'twixt such good 

friends ? 
'Tis but the arm I want. 'Twill be a statue 
That in a thousand years men will admire 
As the great work of a God-favored sculptor ! 

{enthusiastically) . 
The very arm, so perfectly proportioned, 
Will win a thought, a kind one, for the model — 
More than return for favors she may grant 
To you, Marsilio. I want the arm! 
But that, upon my soul. Tell me the name! 



44 THE FI.ORENTINES 

Marsiwo 

Impossible. I should not. (^Resolutely) More, I 
will not! 

CelIyINI iniuch displeased) 

Between Marsilio and Benvenuto 
Shall there be enmity ? It all depends ! 

\Reads the note addressed to him, hereto- 
fore neglected 

Marsilio {aside) 

I know well what that means. But she a model! 
Would she accede tho' asked by Benvenuto ? 

CelIyINI {reads aloud) 

' ' If Benvenuto Cellini values the friendship of 
one who will remain his generous {doubtfully) 
patron as long as he will lend his genius {greatly 
pleased) to Florence, he will come at once to the 
Palace, for we would place in his hands for im- 
mediate setting a royal stone, intended as a gift 
to {piously) His Holiness the Pope. — Cosimo, 
Duke of Florence. ' ' 



THE FLORENTINES 45 

Marsilio 
Cosimo! 

[Cellini looks at him watchfully. 

Cellini 

Ha ! He starts. Cosimo' s ward! 
Marsilio {eagerly) 
Take me with you, Cellini ; I would meet 
The noble Duke. Some day we may be allies, 
When I recover my lost — 

Cellini {triumphantly) 

Ivoved one! 



CURTAIN 



46 THE FI^ORENTINES 



Scene II. — Garden of the Palace of Cosimo, Duke 
of Florence. A splendid stairway (l.) leads 
i?ito the Palace, which cafi be also entered 
below the same. A statue of Hercules and 
Cacus in right foreground. Trees, and foun- 
tain in center of stage. A bench berieath one 
of the trees. 

Discovered : Near statue of Hercules and Cacus y 
Bandinei^LO, irritated, addressiiig PiER 
Francesco Riccio, Major Donio to Duke. 
The latter is young and is gayly attired. 



BandinELLO {making vicious passes with his 
sword^ 

Think you, Pier Riccio, there breathes 
The air of Florence such a fencing-master 
As could teach me some well-devised passado 
Certain to be unknown to this Cellini ? 
I would far rather bear the plague's foul scars 
Than hear his brags and face his swaggerings. 
I'd risk it now — but how that devil fences! 



THE FLORENTINES 47 

Riccio 
He knows them all! But, noble Bandinello, 
Why jeopardize your person ? For ten ducats, 
Or even less, some quick Sicilian dagger 
Would end his boasting, 

Bandinei<i,o 

It is worth reflection. 
Meanwhile, I like you, Riccio. Take this. 

\Handing him a gold piece. 
'Twill buy a smile for you from Federiga. 

Riccio 
Time was I gave no gold for them. But now 
The girl points nose to sky while I waste words 
Upon her beauty — says she is the model 
Through whom Cellini will attain such fame 
That by comparison men will declare 
{Slowly) You are a blockhead who does clumsy 
work. 

Bandinello {exasperated) 
Those are the very words he uses! Heaven 
Grant me some means to rid me of Cellini ! 



48 THE FI.ORENTINES 

Riccio 
May such a prayer find favor! He treats me — 
The Major Domo to the Duke of Florence — 
As if I were the vilest of his servants! 
And sometimes I half think that girl loves him ! 

Bandinello (^giving him several corns) 
More ducats! Waste them not upon a woman! 

\Suggestively . 
Give gold for steel. A good exchange of metals 
Sometimes — this time! Or find some other 

way — 
I care not, so Cellini struts no more. 

[Enter Cellini, Marsilio, a7id DukE 
from Palace, l. 2. K., tender stairway. 

Duke 
Riccio, find the I^ady Leonora. 

{Pointing to Marsilio. 
I learn this gentleman knows more about 
The special virtues of the precious stones 
Than I do. Bid her show him my collection. 

\Exeunt Marsilio and Riccio, entering 
Palace by stairs on left. 



THE FLORENTINES 49 

Well, Bandinello! You have done good work 

here. 

\^Pointing to the statue of Hercules. 

What say you, Benvenuto? You're a critic 

CeIvLINI {^stiidying the statue') 
What says Florence ? 

Bandinei^LO {hastily') 

'Tis abuse that praises. 
When 1 uncovered this, my masterpiece, 
A hundred sonnets, at the least, were published 
Eampooning me. I count that high distindtion, 

Cellini {slowly) 
When Michael Angelo a masterpiece 
Displayed in Florence, at the least two hundred. 
Each vying with his neighbor to extol 
The marvel, gave the tribute due his genius! 
In my experience, therefore, I would say 
The poets voice the sentiment of Florence! 

Bandinello {angrily) 
Does this Cellini, who is but a goldsmith— 

Cellini {grandly) 
Were you as welcome at the Court of France 



50 THE FLORENTINES 

As I, you certainly would hear King Francis, 
A splendid connoisseur — {glattdtig slyly at Duke) 

and what a patron! — 
Declare my Jupiter the finest piece 
He ever saw. {^Proudly') Cellini is a sculptor! 
And when Andromeda is once completed — 

Bandinello {scornfully') 
There will be just one man who calls it famous! 
[ The Duke manifests his enjoyment of the 
situation. 

CeIvWNI {in a tone of superiority) 

I meant to prove a recreant to Art, 

And let this Hercules remain unsentenced. 

But now you judge my unshown work so harshly 

{Quietly) I'll tell the truth about this waste of 

marble. 

{Ignoring Bandinei.i<o. 

Of course 'tis mere quotation. I but echo 

The just opinion of the entire city. 

{Pointing to head) Shave off the hair from it! 

Room is not left 
To hold the brains. A mirror furnished model! 



THE FLORENTINES 51 

The face — how badly set upon the neck! 
Those sprawhng shoulders — like the two great 
pommels 

\Turning to Bandinello. 
Seen on pack-saddles fitly worn by asses! 

BandineIvIX) {hotly) 
My lord Duke Cosimo, the man is jealous! 

CeIvLINI {scornfully') 
Jealous of what our learned school of Florence 
Says had been modeled, at least the breast and 

muscles, 
From a big sack of melons 'gainst a wall! 
Jealous of the worst work of a poor sculptor! 
Why, see, as in the work of all pretenders. 
And contrary to the simplest rule, it leans 
Forward beyond the one-third cubit limit. 
There are so many faults in their opinion 
I dare not mention all, lest there be one 
Which your keen eye, mj^ lord, has overlooked. 
Why, Bandinello, see, your Hercules 
Has one foot underground, the other hangs 
As if it rested on hot coals! This, Art! 



52 THE FLORENTINES 

Bandinello (Jiotly) 
You slanderous tongue, ignoring my design! 

Duke {with evident ejijoyment') 
Yes; what of that, my Argus-ej^ed CelHni ? 

CEIvIvINI 

Did ever a good draughtsman show bad work ? 
The drawing probably is like the statue. 

BandineIvLO {sputtering^ 
You thief! You murderer! You — 

CeIvI^INI {drawing his sword arid by dexterous 
passes threatening Bandinello) 

Go no further! 
My lord, pray close your eyes an instant while 
My blade determines if there be a heart 
Beneath the flesh of such a lifeless workman ! 

Duke {laughingly^ 
Upon my faith, m}'- good friend Benvenuto, 
I better am your patron than your rival! 
{Severely^ But you forget — 

CeIvLini {bowi7ig profoundly') 

Your Excellency, pardon! 
One fool can make a hundred. This man's follies 



THE FLORENTINES 53 

Did for a moment blind me to the glory 

Of your illustrious presence. 

( To Bandinello, grandly) You may live! 

[BandinelIvO cautiously moves toward right. 

Bandinello 

My lord, I cannot hope to keep my patience 

\From safe dista?ice. 

Where this stone-cutter brags. Your perfe(5l 

health! 

{Exit Bandinello, r. 2. e. 

Cellini {Running imaginary adversary through 

with his s7vord) 
My lord, but for your mercy, Bandinello 
Would cut no more of these abominations! 

Duke {laughing) 
Be calm, and you shall have that block of marble 
I know you long have coveted. And now 
Promise to work on nothing but the setting 
Of this {showing a diamond) . What think you ? 

Is it not superb ? 
Until you have completed such design 
'Twill be the marvel of your craft forever. 



54 THE FIvORENTINES 

CKI<IvINI 

Simple enough to do, but it takes time. 
I must go on with my Andromeda {warming up), 
To show to Florence why the King of France 
Esteems my statues — 

Duke {nettled) 

Never mind King Francis; 
Florence will pay due tribute to your skill. 

Ce;i<i,ini {protestingly) 
But Francis paid more gold. 

Duke 

Wait! You will see 
A Medici is not ungenerous. 
Will you postpone Andromeda, and set 
This diamond in manner worthy of it ? 

Cei<i*ini {examining diamond) 
A splendid stone ! Worth twenty thousand ducats, 
Or I'm no judge. 

Duke 
Yes, and five thousand more ! 



THE FLORENTINES 55 

Cellini 

Had you consulted me ! 'Tis a good stone ! 
Suppose I lay Andromeda aside — 
A thing I hate to do, as you well know — 
To set this diamond in haste, would you 
Lend splendor to the reign of Cosimo, 
Add lustre to Cellini's name, and aid 
The cause of Art ? 

Duke {cautiously^ 

What is it you request ? 

Cellini 

You know that model at my studio, 

The one your Major Domo Riccio 

Is ever bothering — that Federiga — 

I thought that she would serve for my great 
statue ; 

In fact, I promised it to her. She cannot ! 

Her form might do, and must for want of better. 

But what an awful arm ! I quite despaired 

{Inspirationally) Until I thought of Lady Leo- 
nora ! 



56 THE FIvORENTINES 

Duke 

She would not pose for you ! The Duchess says 

This girl, who distantly is of my kin, 

Is modesty personified. And you 

And 3'our alarming reputation ! Why, 

The very notion of what you desire 

Would— 

Cei^LINI {protestingly) 

Good my lord, how slander doth assail 
If one emerge out of the commonplace ! 
Were time my own instead of pledged to Art 
{Airily^ It would delight me to discuss at length 
Some matters with the Eady Eeonora. 
But as it is, your servant Benvenuto {bowing 

low') 
Must ask permission to declare a bargain. 
I^et him proceed to set this stone while you 
Persuade the lady to permit her arm — 
To be immortalized. I'll do the task, 
Since she is over-prudish, in the presence 
Of your illustrious consort, and agree 
Never to make a mention of it. This — 



THE FLORENTINES 57 



Duke 

Is fair enough. I shall secure consent, 

And want your promise now. Remember, silence ! 

[Enter Marsilio a7id Leonora, comitig 
dotv7i stairway Icadiyig from Palace. 
She carries a casket of Jewels. 

Duke {^giving him the diamond^ 
Take care of it. 'Tis worth full thirty thousand. 

Cellini 

Trust me for that ! {Aside) Its price is thirty 

now ! 
How values range for purchase, sale, or gift ! 
( To Duke) Detain not my apprentice to such hour 
His health may suffer. He's so delicate 

[For Marsilio to overhear. 

And such a quiet, unassuming boy, 
I would not lose him by some accident. 
Your Excellency ! Heaven prosper you ! 

\A sweeping salute. Exit Cellini, r. 2. :b. 



58 THE FI.ORKNTINES 

Duke (Jo IvEonora) 
Remind me in the morning Benvenuto 
Has a new want, and for once it is not gold ! 

\ExitTy\}^^, L. 2. E. , under stairs. Mar- 
Siivio and Leonora approach bench 
under a tree, u. c. 

Leonora 
Was it from Benvenuto, as the Duke 
Calls him, you learned so much of jewels? 

[Leonora seats herself. She holds the 
casket of gems for him to exam,ine. 

Marsiuo 



No, 



Lady Leonora. Since my boyhood 
I have seen much of them. 



Leonora 
You served skilled goldsmiths ? 

Marsilio {confused^ 

They served — Ah, yes. I long have studied 

gems. 
I love all things of beauty. I have read, 
Strangely enough, the Orestes of your uncle. 



THE FI.OREN TINES 59 

IvEONORA 

More strange that the apprentice of a goldsmith 
Knows Dante and Petrarch and Ariosto 
All quite as well as do the best of scholars. 
(^Carelessly) Of course you fence and dance, and 
write a sonnet ? 

Marsilio {^casket of jewels lies open oti bench be- 
tween them) 

Most naturally. {Confusedly) That is, I should 

say 
I much would like to. Here's an amethyst. 
What a rare shade! 

\The stone is set in a gold pin. 

IvKONORA ( Taking it) 

What does it symbolize ? 

Marsilio 

Deep love. 
I^EONORA {coquettishly) 

A pretty jewel. Let the Duke beware. 

In truth, this tempts me ! I may borrow it. 



6o THE FLORENTINES 

Marsilio {with a tinge of sadness) 
'Twould carry its own punishment. And yet — 
\Fastening the pin in her garment. 

Eeonora 
If you were my adviser, you would say — 

Marsilio {fervently') 
It should be yours. 

Ekonora {laughing) 

'Tis well that you are not ; 
Fancy what lessons you would teach ! 

MARSIIylO 

Did I 
Appear as other than a mere apprentice, 
Marsilio Giotto, I might ask 
Eeave of the gracious Eady Leonora 
To give myself the pleasure of presenting 
To her this beryl. 

\Drawing a pin from his cloak. 

Leonora {in delighted tone) 
How can I accept ? 

\A slight pause. 
And were you, then, some other than you seem — 



THE FLORENTINES 6i 

Marsiwo 
Might I then hope ? 

Eeonora 
When one has courtly manners 
And a true heart — who knows ? 

Marsiuo 

Will you accept it ? 

Eeonora 
What does the beryl bring ? 

Marsilio 

Great happiness. 

IvEONORA 

What woman offered happiness refuses 
Without repentance ? Could I but believe 
One of such knightly bearing would respe(5t 
A sentiment that does me no dishonor, 
I would accept this beryl for its meaning, 
And in return permit this mere apprentice, 
Marsilio Giotto (^stressing 7iame GiOTTo) to dis- 
play 
His scholarship in reading uncle's poem, 
" Italia Eiberata." 'Tis unpublished. 
Will you peruse the manuscript to-morrow ? 



62 THE FLORENTINES 

Marsilio 
It is an exchange that favors me unduly; 
Yet be it on my conscience — I accept. 

[He seems to have some difficulty in putting 
the pin through the cloth. She assists 
him. Their hands touch. 

Eeonora {suddenly) 
But oh, how fast we move in new-formed friend- 
ship ! 
Just think, I never saw you 'til this hour. 

Marsilio 
But I saw you — 

I/EONORA {indignantly') 

How can you say this thing ? — 

Marsilio {with deep feeling) 
Ere ever I saw Florence ! Years ago, 
When all of life was new to me and fresh, 
And the great sun seemed burning but to light 
The beauty o' th' world and deeds resplendent, 
I seemed to know that sometime in my life, 
By Fate, not Chance, I would meet that peerless 
one 



THE FLORENTINES 63 

Who stands, perfedl, "amid the unrivaled women 
Of Italy; and with this knowledge came 
A strange awareness of her a(5lual presence. 
I loved one yet unseen. Then kind Fortune 
Brought me to Florence, placed me with Cellini, 
Summoned me here this hour, and I see 
That wondrous Presence now at last embodied ! 
Thus have I seen and see the Lady Leonora ! 

Leonora 

How skilfully you veil a compliment ! 

This is a dodlrine of affinity 

That is so novel I can scarce believe it. 

Marsilio 
Yet could you feel some faith in it — 

Lkonora 

I do. But it is so mysterious! 

(^Mockingly') How could I be that Presence you 

say came 
To you, sensed but unseen, a thing unearthly, 
When I am of an earthly cast and mould ? 



64 THE FLORENTINES 

Marsii<io {passionately) 
No! heavenly! I swear! 

lyEONORA 

How you proceed ! 
You are no Florentine! That much is certain! 
lyittle they know of things supernal here. 

\Pretending annoyance. 
We have a miracle, and you would spoil it 
By an anxiety to flatter me. 

Marsilio 

With other words I would have challenged 
Truth. 

Leonora {mockingly) 
I! heavenly ! This something that you saw 
Long years ago has worked upon your mind, 
And you see facts transformed. I heavenly ! 
This wonder you narrate appeals to me — 
The Roucellai always have been students 

\A slight pause. 
I think I have the clue to it. 

Marsiwo {puzzled') 
It is— 



THE FLORENTINES 65 

Leonora {softly) 
'Tis this. I, too, have often thought 
I sensed a Presence that would one day come 
Where I might be, clothed in the splendid form 
Of one of fearless and of gallant bearing — 
And too much eloquence — and with some knowl- 
edge 
( Yieldingly) Of how to please a very foolish girl. 

[Marsilio starts toward her. LEONORA 
steps back. 
How late it grows! There's much I must think 

over. 
{Airily) This marvelous thing — awareness of a 
presence ! 

[// is steadily growing darker. 

MarsiIyIO {beseechingly) 
It is not late. The shadows prove my claim. 

Leonora {moving toward stairs and ascending) 

To-morrow, in the afternoon, you may 
Tell me more legends of the amethyst, 
And help me to interpret obscure lines 



66 THE FI.ORENTINES 

In uncle's tragedy. Then you may read 
Aloud to me, Marsilio Giotto. 

[Pronouncing name questioningly . 
Marsilio {aside) 
My name so strangely spoken ! 

{Eagerly to her) We will read — 

Leonora {moving slowly up steps and entering 
Palace) 

{Archly) Awhile. 
\Exit I,KONORA. Enter Duke, l,. 2. e. 

Duke 
Young man, you serve the very greatest rascal 
This side of France. 

Marsilio {protestingly) 

Duke Cosimo, Cellini — 

Duke 
Is a kind master, you will say. I grant it — 
To all except poor fools like me, who fear 
I^est he should take his skill from Italy, 
And so permit him to mock the Bargello 



THE FLORENTINES 67 

When that poor mortal tries to keep the peace. 

Well ! well ! These artists ! Oftentimes I won- 
der 

Whether the fame we think they win for Flor- 
ence 

Equals their cost to us, the Medici. 

But you ? He says he loves you as a brother! 

Answer! Whence comes this hold on his re- 
gard? 

Marsilio 

Your Excellency, have I your permission 

To ask a question and then answer yours ? 

Duke 
The love of Heaven ! If one knows an artist, 
He talks as proudly as the Pope himself. 
Yes, you may ask it. 

Marsilio 
Grateful for your kindness, 
I ask, What feeling have you toward the Prince 
(^Slight pause) Of Perombino? 

DuKB (^coldly) 

Why not ask as well 



68 THE FLORENTINES 

How Cosimo De Medici regards 

The hundred others with whom he must traffic 

To hold his present state in Italy ? 

Marsilio 
That were beyond all right. If I presume 
Upon your graciousness, pardon, my lord. 

Duke {mockingly) 
Are you the Prince of Perombino ? 

MARSII.IO {proudly') 

Yes. 

Duke {severely) 

What! You! Is this one of Cellini's jests? 

If so, I think it carries no great humor. 

Do not presume too far on my forbearance. 

Marsilio 
Duke Cosimo, disguise befits me ill, 
Altho' perforce I have adopted it 
Against assassins. But, my lord, to you. 
Whose rank exceeds my own, I shall be frank. 
You know that he who now rules Perombino 
Has little right thereto. A D'Appiani 
{Proudly) Alone holds proper title. 



THE FI.ORENTINES 69 

Duke {thoughtfully') 

It is true 
The Pope has recognized that claim as just. 
But he whom you declare usurps has power — 
Power, men, and money! Florence gains 
lyittle from him, however. Suppose you had 
The aid of Florence to regain your rights, 
What might we then expedl from Perombino ? 

Marsilio {eagerly) 
That should you ever stand in slightest peril 
From your own foes, the strength of Perombino 
Is yours at call. 

Duke 
Best judgment after sleep! 
To-morrow bring the proofs of what you claim, 
And you may find me favorably disposed 
To lend you forces. We, the Medici, 
Can never be too strong to make new friends — 
At proper cost. Trust no man here in Florence 
Beyond Cellini with your secret, Prince. 

Marsii,io {radia7it) 
I shall obey, most noble Duke. 



70 THE FLORENTINES 

Duke (^pleasantly) 

You saw 
My gem colledlion. What think you of it? 

Marsilio {warmly) 
'Tis unsurpassed. And there is one I saw 
Too beautiful for words. 

Duke {looking at him searchingly) 
When you regain 
Fair Perombino, to my new ally 
Let me present it as close friendship's token. 

[Marsii,io looks radiant. 
Show gratitude hereafter! No! Help now! 
Get Benvenuto started on my work! 
{Aside) That great Andromeda! Must have the 
arm! 

[Marsilio starts. 

This calls for skill. My wife must lend me aid. 
[ The Duke leaves him and enters Palace. 

Marsiwo {dismayed) 
Must have the arm! Cellini! And the Duke — 
Must have the arm! How can it be prevented ? 
{Enter Cei<i<ini, r. 2. e. 



THE FI.ORENTINES 71 

Ckllini (y jovially) 
Well, am I not a loyal friend, Marsilio ? 
Here for an hour have I waited for you, 
( Whimsically) Eest walking home alone, with 

soul inspired 
By memories of merry dancing eyes. 
Your steps betray your mind's bewilderment, 
And then you meet the solemn-faced Bargello, 
Who never will accept an explanation 
From joyous youths roaming about o' nights. 

[MarsiIwIO remairis sober. 
And you should look like one! Yet you appear 
As grave as any owl. 

Marsilio {nervously) 

I must ask you, 
Cellini, have you spoken to the Duke 
About Andromeda and of the I^ady — 

Cellini {with a forced laugh) 
The I^ady Leonora! Come, my boy, 
You do not think my sober forty years 
Make me your rival! Have no fear of that! 



72 THE FLORENTINES 

Marsilio 
But did— 

CeIvUNI 

Come home, and talk no more about it. 
When I was twenty-three they all seemed angels. 

Marsilio 
You have not really answered — 

CEI/LINI 

Not a word! 
(^Reproachfully) Why, boy, you wrong — the lady 
— by suspicion! 



CURTAIN 



ACT II 



Scene I. — Workshop and studio of Cellint. 
General confusion of seats, screens, draperies. 
Among the things evidencing the dual use of 
room are incomplete rough model of Andro- 
meda and a table littered with goldsmith^ s tools. 
Door R. R., leading to sleeping apartment; 07ie 
L. I. 'E., to street; window, l. 3. E., overlook- 
ing street. It is evening, and lamps are 
lighted. 

Discovered : FedERIGA posing before mirror, R. 
Enter Celwni, l. 2. E. He throws himself 
wearily upon a chair. 

Cellini {angrily to Federiga) 
Federiga ! 

Federiga {anxiously) 
Yes, my lord ! What is it ? 

[She hurries to his side. 

Cellini {angrily) 
I come in tired, thirsty ! What, of course ? 

[She hands him a cup. He drinks. 
I wonder if I killed him ? If I had 
A common mind like others, it is certain 

75 



76 THK FI.ORENTINBS 

I could not keep my patience with such troubles! 
Too bad there were no witnesses ! That thrust 
I gave him was a marvel ! {Disgtistedly) No one 

saw it ! 
{Suddenly pleased) I'll wager he was hired by 

Bandinello ! 
It maddens him to see how Florence loves me. 

Federiga 
My lord, will you require me this hour ? 

Cellini {irritably) 
No, and no other. I am done with you. 
lyook at the work I did on that Andromeda i 

[Pointing to Andromeda. 
Worthless ! Am I a Bandinello ? No ! 
It's not my fault. It's yours. lyook at your 

arm ! 
I copy that ! Yes, and your figure is bad, 

Federiga {angrily) 
Illustrious signore, 'tis not bad ! 

Cellini 
What ! You will contradi(5l a man who knows 
The true proportions of the human body 



THE FLORENTINES 



// 



Down to the nicest fradlion ? Federiga, 
You go ! Just so, I said you go ! My art 
Demands it. /must have a better model. 

Federiga 
My lord, I will improve, but let me stay. 
I will stay ! If you bring another here 
In place of me, I'll kill her ! 

CEIvLINI 

You will do what ? 
I want no words. I do want a good model. 
The love of Heaven ! Shall my work proclaim 

me 
As poor as Bandinello ? Me, Cellini ! 
(Aside) Yet what avails my skill without a 
model ? 

Federiga {aside) 
Some miserable wretch makes love to him ! 
My lord, do you no longer care for me. 

[She weeps. 
CELI.INI {aloud to himself) 
A woman's brawling now ! Friend Benvenuto, 
These women are a nuisance. Always trouble ! 



^8 THE FLORENTINES 

Be firm, be just to Benvenuto ! Send 
This girl away. 

[Giving her money, which she takes. 
Take this, and come no more. 

Federiga 
I will not go ! 

Cei,lini 
Well, you do go! And at once! 
\He opens the door to push her out. She 
evades him and goes u. c. Marsii<io 
enters equipped for travel. 

Marsiuo 
What's wrong with Federiga, Benvenuto? 

Cellini 
Manners, figure — everything ! That arm ! 
I'm out of humor anyway ! What's happened ? 

Marsilio {joyfully') 
Enough to make you joyous for my sake. 
Think ! I have really won her, Benvenuto — 
Won her, altho' she thinks me your apprentice I 



THE FLORENTINES 79 

Cellini {pleased) 
Perhaps association with Cellini 
Did you no harm; but still I think the credit 
Belongs to you. She's a Rucellai. 
No better family in Florence. Boy, 
You do me honor! I am proud of you ! 

Marsilio {joyfully) 
The smile of Fortune lights all things about me ! 
The Duke of Florence lends me his support — 
I come to say farewell. I leave this night 
For Perombino. In another month 
I shall return to ask you to my Court. 

Cellini {unconsciously striking FedERIGA, who 

has approached, penitently, with his sword) 
Good ! Good! I love you, my Marsilio ! 
( To Federiga) What, you still here ! Take 
this {giving her money) and go, I say ! 

\He snatches up the ctip. 
Prosperity to Perombino' s Lord — 

\^'ET>'ERiQK goes out 07ie door , and, returni7ig 
by another, I'eappears in rear of studio. 
— And to the gracious Eady Eeonora ! 



8o THE FLORENTINES 

Marsilio (^significantly) 
You then remain my true and loyal friend ? 

CieivIriNi {laughing) 
I promise you the lady will not come 
To this my workshop — no, my studio ! 

Marsilio (Jrom door) 
We start before the break of day. Farewell ! 
Good luck with your Andromeda ! 

Cellini (warmly, as 'M.A.'RSihio goes) 

Success ! 
[Exit Marsilio. 

Cellini (t/iougktfully, earnestly, as he tur7is 
from the door) 
I wish I were the father of Marsilio ! 
He would have been an artist ! Not like me, 
A mere pretender, boasting of the future 
That soon will be the past, with nothing done 
To rank my name with Michael Angelo's ! 
I would have taught him all that I have learned! 
The flame that dimly shines in me, in him, 
Fed by a purer and a loftier spirit. 



THE FLORENTINES 8i 

Might have created some immortal thing ! 

I could have done it had I kept my vision 

Above the gross and earthly beautiful ! 

There is a passion that exalts the soul, 

And there are passions, too, that quench its 

light— 
You are of earth, Cellini ! Why aspire ? 
Laugh with the wanton, turn your skill to gold, 
Spend it with friends and mock your enemies — 
And Florencec ries : ' ' Cellini, drink with us ! " — 
While Michael Angelo sculpts for the future ! 
Oh, for the faith, the trust, th' impassioned 

thought 
Of that young boy ! And who am I that craves it ? 
The foul-fed client of a sorry patron. 
Sporting the colors of despised indulgence, 
While Angelo seeks God beyond the skies ! 
O Heaven ! something in me says I too 
May yet do work worth doing, not these trifles ! 
{Inspirationally) Too late ! Too late ! No ! It 

is not too late ! 
Back there in France, is not my Jupiter 
At Fontainebleu ? Do I not see in air 



82 THE FLORENTINES 

This very instant that Andromeda 

Whose beauty fired the soul of Perseus ? 

It is not meant that I must die a goldsmith ! 

Andromeda ! There is your work, Cellini ! 

lyet nothing stand between ! And nothing shall ! 
[He starts tip vigorously . Federiga 
watches closely as he grasps a tool, only 
to throw it dow7i in disgust. 

A miserable piece of work ! I must 

Have better model. Did I give a promise ? 

I'll keep it to its letter, but no more. 

Marsilio would never know the difference. 

In any case, I do not ask her here. 

There at the palace is the arm I need — 

Yes, and the form divine ! I'll go at once ! 

[Cei.i,ini rushes out. 

Federiga 

An arm, a form divine ! Whom has he found ? 

I thought there was another ! Who is she ? 

' ' There at the Palace ! ' ' Riccio will know — 

That fool ! 

[Enter RiCCiO, i,. 2. E. 



THE FLORENTINES 83 

Riccio 
Ah, lovely Federiga ! What 
Has happened? See, your cheeks are like two 

roses, 
Your eyes like sparkling gems. Your brow — 

Federiga {tartly) 
You are all words ! 

Riccio 

You wrong me, Federiga ! 
Reward me with a kiss. Is this not beautiful ? 

[Showing her a bracelet. 

Federiga 
A kiss for that! Twice dear at twenty soldi ! 
All gilt — an imitation. Fool me ! Humph J 

Riccio 
You scorn my gift? Well, there are other girls 
In Florence for Francesco Riccio 
To kiss without the giving of a present. 
Some day this braggadocio, Cellini, 
Will change his humor and show you the door. 

Federiga 
As I show it to you. No; what's the use? 



84 THE FLORENTINES 

You're a tiresome fool. 'Tis not your fault. 
Nature made you one. You may give it to me. 

[^Takes the bracelet. 
The kiss ! Some day, perhaps. Not now. Be- 
ware! 
Cellini says you are a noisy idiot. 
He may return and thrash you. 

Riccio. 

Devil take him ! 
Aye! he will take him, and that very soon. 

Federiga 
What do you mean ? 

Riccio 
First answer, do you love him ? 

Federiga 
Love him! No, the villain! Even now 
He talks of a new model at the Palace ! 
Fool tho' you be, you're right. He's thro' with 
me. 

Riccio 
A model at the Palace ? Can it be 
This rascal thinks of Lady Leonora ? 



THE FLORENTINES 85 

Federiga 
Of whom ? He surely does not think of her ! 

Riccio 
Whom else ? There is no other there who can 
Compare with you, my angel Federiga ! 

Federiga 
You have more sense, Francesco, than I thought. 
Suppose I go with you. What kind of treat- 
ment 
Shall I receive ? 

Riccio 
I'll beg and steal for you! 
\_Some one is heard approaching. 

Federiga 
His step! Go quickly! He's coming! Go ! 

[Rushing to window, 1,. 3. Exit Riccio, 
hurriedly, x,. 2. E. 
They do not meet. Good luck for Riccio ! 

[Enter Cellini, l. 2. e. 

Cellini {excitedly) 
I must be crazy, hurrying at this hour 
To pester Cosimo. I need a rest. 



86 THE FLORENTINES 

( To Federiga) What are you doing here ? I 
bade you go. 

Federiga 
You did not mean that I should stay away ? 

CEI.I.INI 
Make no mistake in that. I'm done with you. 

Federiga 
You're done with me ! Do you mean done for 

good 
With me! You said that you would make me 

famous! 

Cellini 
Is it my fault ? How can I make you great ? 
Impossible! Go you to Bandinello. 
You're fit to be his model. Say Cellini 
Presents you, with his compliments. 

Federiga 

Cellini! 
Do not forget that Federiga, who 
Has a poor arm — bad figure! — has a heart! 
And hearts can hate, sometimes, where they 
have loved. 



THE FIvORENTlNES 87 

CE1.LINI 

Well, don't go hungr3\ Eat before you go. 

As for mj^self , I need an hour of sleep. 

Let no one trouble me. Go when you're 

through ! 

[Celi^ini enters rear room. 

Federiga 
So I may eat before I go! And this 
Is all the pay that Federiga gets 
For being slave and model to Cellini ! 
Am I a dog, that he should bid me go ? 
And where ? To Bandinello ! To his rival ! 

\An idea strikes her. 
To Riccio! When I have loved Cellini ! 

\Shakijig fist at rear room. 
The devil with all men! I hate you! hate 

you ! 
If I could kill you ! Marry Riccio 
When I have been his model ! Federiga, 
Don't be a fool ! That Riccio has money. 

\She perceives a ring on the table and 
g7'asps it. 
And so has Federiga! 'Tis the stone 



THE FLORENTINES 



The Duke means for the Pope ! How beautiful ! 

I wonder what it's worth. I'll go away, 

Far off, where no one knows, and there I'll 

sell it! 
What will they do to him ? You would beat me' 
Tell me you're done with me, and take 
The lady at the Palace in my stead! 

[Enter Marsilio, l. 2, e. She hides ring 
in her dress and hoks confused. 

Marsiwo 
Where's Benvenuto ? 

Federiga {nervously) 

You must not disturb him ; 
He is asleep, and must not be awakened 
By any one, he said, 

Marsilio {producing a letter from his cloak) 
It is as well. 
When he awakes, tell him that I desire 
This note be given Lady Leonora, 
And that for this new favor once again 
I stand the debtor to his loyal friendship. 



THE FLORENTINES 89 

Oh, yes. And add that I may be away 
Some fifty days, altho' it may be less. 

Federiga 
The Lady Leonora! Oh, tell me, 
Messer Marsilio, is she the one 
Who takes my place ? 

Marsilio 
Who takes your place ! What mean you ? 

Federiga 
He told me I must go. He says that I 
Shall pose no more for his Andromeda. 
He thinks out loud, and I just heard him say 
A Palace lady has the arm and figure 
He needs, and you would never know about it. 

Marsilio 
Is't possible? Can he plan in my absence 
To win consent ? By Heaven ! he answers me 
Before I go — 

Federiga {frightened) 
He must not be awakened, 
Messer Marsilio! Believe me not. 
I spoke in spite because he bade me go. 



90 THE FLORENTINES 

MARSIIvIO 

Yet how know you — 

[Enter a soldier, I,. 2. B. 

Soldier 

Messer Marsilio, 
Five hundred men, by order of the Duke, 
Wait your commands. His Excellency said 
We would start out ere Florence wakes and notes 
The fa<5l of our departure. 

MARSIIvIO 

I must go ! 
[To Federiga, handing her a letter. 
Give it to him, and say Marsilio, 
His friend, trusts all to friendship ! 

( To Soldier) Come ! 
[Exit Marsilio «waf Soldier, l. 2. e. 
Federiga (^shaking her fist at rear room) 
He loves her ! You are back at your old tricks. 
Before me there were others, after me — 
You go to prison ! Done with Federiga ! 

[ Takes ring from her bosom. 
And I have here perhaps five thousand ducats ! 
What noise is that ? I must see Riccio, 



THE FLORENTINES 91 

And find a place to hide myself from him 

\Looks out of the whiiow. 
Until I can leave Florence. The Bargello ! 
Come for Cellini ! Ah, this gives me time ! 

\She rushes out of the room. A great noise 
and C07ifus707i at outer door. Cellini 
enters workshop from rear room, sword 
in hand. 

Cellini (^angrily') 

What in the devil's name ! Here ! Federiga ! 
Didn't I say — where is that girl ? Oh, yes, 
She's gone ! And now I need her ! Benvenuto, 
You were a fool to lose that girl ! Well, who 
Are you that thunders ! Come in. You've been 

drinking ! 

[ Opens door. Bargello a 7id reti7iue enter, 
L. 2. E. 
Ha, the Bargello ! 

Bargello 

You must come, Cellini. 
Make no resistance. I have twenty here. 



92 THE FI.ORENTINES 

Cei<i<ini ( appare7itly pleased ) 
Twenty ! He deems that many requisite 
To take Cellini ! Well, no doubt it would. 

{Saluting profoundly. 
Messer Vittorio, you do me honor ! 

BARGEI/I.O {severely) 
And Florence equal service. 

CeIvWNI (z'w mock humility) 
Who am I 
That you should come to call with such an escort, 
And at a time when, most unfortunately, 
(^Severely) I am too busy to give you attention ! 
[Approaching table and picking up a file. 

Bargello 
An end to jesting! You must come with us. 
Complaint is lodged that you have nearly killed — 

Cei,i,ini 
A rascal, who apparently intended 
To take my life ! 'Twas dark. The road was 

narrow. 
I bade him move aside. His weapon flashed; 



THE FLORENTINES 93 

Mine was the quicker — down he went. I ran — 
'Tis seldom one of these Sicilian scoundrels 
Attacks without a dozen rogues at hand. 

Bargello 
It was reported different. However, 
The truth comes out in court, hereafter. This 
Is not the place. 

Cellini (^authoritatively) 

But there will be no other — 
At any rate at present. Can't you see 
I am engaged on work of great importance ? 

Bargello 
It matters not. Our business is more urgent. 

Cellini {mockingly) 
To bother honest men is more important 
Than to complete a present for the Pope ! 

\All bow reverently. 
I cannot trouble with such stupid men ! 
Begone ! Messer Vittorio, I gave you 
Credit for better sense ! I was mistaken. 



94 THE FI.ORENTINES 

BarGEIwLO {manifestly impressed^ 
And have you really been engaged upon 
Work for His Holiness ? 

Cei^LINI 

Have I not said so ? 
Here is the proof — a ring. Where did I place it ? 
I had it here — yes, here. And — then I went — 

\Startled, excited. 
To sleep ! Where is it ? Who could have been 

here? 
Bargello ! Scour this place ! I have been 

robbed ! — 
A stone worth fifty thousand ducats gone ! 

Bargello {skeptically) 

This time a thief ! The man you tried to murder 

Was an assassin ! 

Cellini 

Fool! You're wasting time. 
Pursue the thief ! I shall ! Stand back, I say ! 

Bargello 
Think you I am so simple ? Close around him ! 
He lies about the stone. Do not resist ! 



THE FLORENTINES 95 

I represent the Law you have offended 
A hundred times — too often just by once. 

Cei^LINI (^snatches up his sword) 
In God's name, man, quit talking ! If that ring 
Is not recovered, then Duke Cosimo 
Will have you flogged. My honor is at stake ! 

\Forces way through crowd and gains door. 
You know this blade ! He dies who bars Cellini ! 

\Rushes out, l. 2. E. 



CURTAI N 



96 THE FLORENTINES 



Scene II. — A room in the Palace of the Duke. 
Folding-door at rear. Couch on right, near 
center. 

Discovered : The DuKE resting on the couch, while 
RiCCio busies hhnselfin attendance upon him. 
As curtain rises a tumult is heard without 
{rear), and then Celwni's voice rings out 
clearly. 

Cell,ini {from without) 
Justice, my Lord ! 

Duke 
Cellini wants more money ! 
The man's a nuisance ! 

Riccio 

Far worse than the plague! 
You are not well, illustrious signore. 
Permit me to remind you, your physician 
Insists upon your perfect rest. 

Duke 

Just so. 

[Cei,i<ini rushes in, followed by Bargei^iX) 
and others from rear, E. 
What means this noisy entry, Benvenuto ? 



THE FLORENTINES 97 

Cellini 
Justice ! I call for justice ! Noble Duke, 
This fool of a Bargello interferes 
With my free movements ! 

Duke {irritably') 

Doubtless for good cause! 
There must be peace in Florence, and you 

brawlers 
Must be restrained. 

Cellini {in aggrieved tone') 

My lord, what have I done 
To forfeit your regard ? 

Duke {petula7itly) 

Here in my Palace, 
Where princes tread respectfully, you dare. 
Insolent braggart that you are, to shout 
And bear yourself as if you did not know 
Your master's residence and of his illness. 

Cellini {defereyitially) 
Your Excellency is not well ? My deep. 
Sincere regret! If I might recommend 
A remedy, my lord, 'tis that you banish 



98 THE ELORKNTINES 

This Riccio, whose face is irritation 

Enough to Health to bring us back the Plague. 

Duke 
Silence! Bargello, what does all this mean? 

BARGELI.O 
Duke Cosimo, this scamp, who is perpetual 
Menace to peace, has stabbed a man, a stranger, 
Whose friends, particularly Bandinello, 
Insist that he be punished. For this reason 
Cellini was arrested. But as he 
Declares there is a matter of importance 
He must reveal to you, I've brought him hither, 
For I did think that there might be, perhaps, 
Some truth in his assertion, noble Duke. 

Duke {regarding Cellini impleasantly) 
Which means that you want what ? 

Cei,i<ini (^artfully) 

Justice, my lord! 
The man, who now appears so closely bound 
To Bandinello that he stands his sponsor. 
At dusk, and from behind, and with no warning, 
Tho' not legitimately foe of mine, 



THE FLORENTINES 99 

Being a man I never saw before, 
Marked Bandinello's hate upon my skin. 
I turned, and as a warning to assassins 
{hisidiously) I gave that thrust I promised to 

teach 3'ou. 
Is it a crime to strike in self-defense ? 
And should not the Bargello be reproved 
For troubling both of us ? 

Duke 

You argue well — 

Provided that the fadts are as you say. 
( 7!? Bargello^ Do you investigate. The mean- 
time we 
Would have you put your mind, good Benvenuto, 
Upon the ring. 

Cellini (Jookiyig down, but watching the Duke 
from the corner of his eye') 

'Tis there, my lord, I suffered 
The most from his stupidity. Exhausted 
By my long hours of most patient labor, 
Sleep claimed me for a moment. I awoke 
To hear the.se fellows storming at my door. 



L<*rc. 



loo THE FLORENTINES 

The ring was gone! I bade them seek the thief. 
They scoflfed! Alone, without a clew, I hurried 
Into the street — 

Duke {anxiously) 

And you recovered it ? 
You did not lose that stone worth forty thousand 
Ducats ! 

Cellini {contritely) 
With fifty men they captured me 
Ere I could trace and wrest it from the thief ! 

Duke 
Mean you to say, Cellini, it is lost ? 

Riccio 
The man himself may easily have hidden it ! 

Cellini {angrily) 
You villain ! Do you dare besmirch Cellini ! 
Draw and defend — 

{Drawing his sword. 
Duke 

Seize him, Bargello ! 
Your insults to our person go beyond 
The limit of our patience. We require 



THE FLORENTINES loi 

Two things of you, Cellini, and at once : 
Apology to Riccio — the ring ! 

Celi^ini (with quiet dignity) 
Behind you, my lord Duke, there stands the 

strength 
Of Florence to enforce your will. Behind 
Cellini is his innocence — and justice! 
The man {hotly) who dares asperse my honor is 
A villain, tho' {deferentially) in my desire to 

please 
My well-loved lord, I might withdraw the word. 
{Sadly) As for the ring, 'tis gone, I know not 

where. 

And with it gone the honor of Cellini, 

To whom it was entrusted, unless he 

Recover it — {with conviction) which he will surely 

do! 

Riccio 

Bold words ! But sound they not like subter- 
fuge? 
My lord, he has the ring ! 

Duke 

Cellini, you 



102 THE FLORENTINES 

Are lost unless that diamond shall be found 
Before the Legate of the Pope departs. 
So that I need not pass upon your guilt, 
I grant these twenty days. 

CeIvWNI 

You have the ring ! 
Think, Benvenuto, think ! Could one have 

come — 
My lord, I have a clew ! 

Riccio 

Does he go free ? 

Duke. 
We do not think the ring's recovery 
Demands your freedom, Benvenuto. 
Send where you will, but j'ou yourself remain 
Under arrest, our prisoner, at the Palace. 

Celi^ini 
Arrest ! You mean I am considered guilty 
Of theft ! Cellini called a thief ! If ever 
I have sinned, this is my punishment ! 
France begs my presence, Florence calls me 
thief! 



THE FLORENTINES 103 

Fool that I was to come here. {Boldly') Give me 

pen! 
A line to Francis how they treat Cellini ! 
Word to the Pope that one whom he has honored 
Is called a thief b}^ Cosimo of Florence ! 

Duke {manifestly ivipressed) 
Friend Benvenuto, how that pride of yours 
Blinds you to consequences! Well, you artists 
Cannot be judged as others. You have nearly 
Killed a friend, 'tis said, of Bandinello's. 
This must be punished, or no law in Florence ! 
As for the ring, Bargello, take his orders, 
Search where he bids you. In the meanwhile 

you 
Remain our prisoner. I^eave us alone. 

\Exeunt all but Duke and Cel,i<ini, rear. 
Send for what tools you need. Here at the 

Palace 
A room will be provided for your work. 

Cellini 
My lord, I really thought you were in earnest. 
But for the ring, my joy would be complete. 



I04 THE FLORENTINES 

Heaven, which always favors Benvenuto, 
Will surely cause the capture of the thief — 
{Joyfully) While I shall work upon Andromeda! 

Duke {coldly) 
What's that? 

CelIvINI {anxiously) 

Has not the lady given her consent ? 

Duke. 
Oh, you mean Leonora ! You forget 
The stone must first be set. The ring is lost, 

You say — 

Cellini 

I say! My lord, you do not doubt it? 

Duke 
Let that be as it may. Just now the Duchess 
Gives me no peace. She would have you engaged 
Upon a bracelet that she wants. If you 
Are wise, you will work zealously upon it. 

Cellini {greatly disappointed) 
I may not see the Lady Leonora ? 

Duke 
Talk of no statues till the ring is found. 



THE FLORENTINES 105 



Give me your word you will not leave the Palace, 
And you may stay here rather than in prison. 

Cellini 
I give my promise. 

[7%<?Duke; regards CUU.iNi guesiioningfy. 
The latter fneets the look boldly. 

Duke 

Then await you here 
The Duchess, and obey her in all things ! 

\_Exit Duke . Cellini ' s expression changes 
to one of contempt. 

Cellini 
A politician, and they call him statesman! 
And I must bow and cringe and say "my lord," 
And know he thinks me guilty in his heart. 
Where is that ring ? I had it ere I slept. 
"Who could have taken it ? Not Federiga! 
I've tempted her a thousand times! She loves 

me! 
Bandinello ? No ; 'tis hate that hints it. 
How could he have been there, or any hireling ? 



io6 THE FI.ORENTINES 

Marsilio! He left before I slept! 
Then how found I the letter for the Lady ? 
He came back ! Who is this Marsilio ? 
The Prince of Perombino ? How do I 
Know that he spoke the truth in this ? He came 
To me a total stranger. I believed 
And asked no proof. I trusted voice and eye. 
Has he deceived me ? Did he take the ring ? 
He must be followed! No! I love that boy! 
If he spoke truth, and goes to Perombino, 
'Twould mean his ruin! Did he take the ring? 
\E71ter Duchess a7id Lady Leonora, rear. 

Duchess 
At last, my lord 'declares, you have some time 
To place at my behest, Messer Cellini. 

Leonora {jesti7igly) 
And may I hope some moments are reserved 
For me as well, your Highness ? 

CeItLINI {to Leonora) 

My one hope 
Is to contribute in your name to Art. 



THE FLORENTINES 107 

Duchess 
If you would hold my favor, make fo. me 
Some trifles I have wanted long. A ring 
To wear upon the little finger. Also 
A pendant, something novel, for a ruby — 
Oh, yes, and then I want a brooch designed 
Quite different from all others. And a vase! 
Use little gold and much of skill, Cellini, 
To make it look pretentious. 'Tis a present 
For one of my best friends! When this is done — 

CelI/INI {in mock politeness^ 
Signora, I would stand upon my head 
Three hours or more the while my eloquence 
Were full employed to pay the tribute due 
Your worth, if it would give you any pleasure ; 
( Warming up) But to devote the time required to 

do 
This goldsmithing — the work of artisan — 
When all my soul is stirred to make a statue 
Worthy of genius such as Heaven has granted 
Cellini, is a punishment, my Lady. 
Why, there at Fontainebleu, King Francis said: 
' ' Behold, how I have brought from Italy 



io8 THE FLORENTINES 

The greatest man who ever lived, endowed 
"With all the talents." Truly so spoke Francis! 

Duchess 
And these fine words, Cellini, mean, do they, 
You will not do my bidding ? 

Cei,WNI 

Good Signora, 

I do but plead for time to work upon 

Andromeda. 'Twas promised that this lady 

Would aid — had not the ring been stolen from me! 

[^Leonora looks surprised. 

Duchess 
Methinks you choose a poor time to offend 
Those high in power! 

CeIvUNI (^deferentially^ 

My gracious lady, I 
Live but to please you ! Let me send for one 
Who works about my shop — 

Duchess 

Ah ! Then you promise 
My ring, my brooch, my pendant, and my vase, 
And — I forgot before — I want a seal 



THE FLORENTINES 109 

Bearing the arms of Medici, of course. 
Now these and all of them you promise me 
Within four days — or will you make it three ? 

Celwni (^exasperated) 
" Within four days — or will I make it three ! " 
Your Grace may have them in a single hour — 
Provided Ochus Bochus shows me how. 
Pray have him hastily recalled to life, 
That he may teach me magic. 

Duchess 

You refuse me ! 

Leonora 
Dear friend, Cellini does not mean offense. 
You know he is an artist. I am sure 
If you will leave us here alone, I can 
Secure his word to execute your order. 

Duchess {petulantly) 
I never have success with him. You try ! 
Were I the Duke I'd have him flogged ! (^Be- 
seechingly) Persuade him ! 

\Exit Duchess, rear. 



no THE FLORENTINES 

Leonora {archly) 
Messer Cellini, I am well disposed 
Toward you ! 

Celi^ini (^seriously) 
Heaven, I thank thee for my talents! 
Leonora 
Why are you here and treated as a prisoner ? 

Cei.i,ini 
I wounded an assassin ! Great offense ! 
The real cause ! A stone entrusted to me 
Is lost — stolen by some one while I slept. 
The Duke holds me responsible. Cellini, 
(^Bitterly) Regarded with suspicion ! 

Leonora {warmly') 

I am certain 

That you are innocent. Marsilio 

Told me Cellini risks his life for honor. 

Cellini 
He said that ! Ha ! a splendid boy ! I felt it ! 

Leonora 
He bears himself so proudly, your apprentice ! 
Tell me where does he come from ? Who is he? 



THE FLORENTINES 



Cellini 
That, lady, is a secret I must keep. 

Leonora 
A secret ! How mysterious ! Is he 
Of such importance, then ? 

Cellini 

You wish him well ? 

Leonora 
Why not ? Should not one wish the best for all ? 

Cellini {as if soliloquizing') 
And yet he came back while I was asleep ! 
Or how did this arrive ? 

[Handling the letter left by Marsilio. 

Leonora 

More mystery ? 

Cellini (^soliloquizes to be overheard) 
A stranger, no credentials, that boy came 
To Florence, met me, and I trusted him. 

Leonora {warmly') 
He has the power to inspire — friendship ! 



112 THE FLORENTINES 

Cei^lini 
That truly ! Heaven grant it was not he 
Who took the ring. 

IvEONORA {startled) 

Do you suspedl Marsilio ? 

CELI.TNI 

What shall I answer ? Could my eyes be blinded 
To fadts that have but one significance, 
My love would do it. Yet try as it may, 
They stand in bold relief before me. Lady, 
Against their cursed import I must raise 
One sole weak barrier — what I know of him, 
And that on his own words alone. 

Leonora 

And I 

Know only that his soul is in his face — 

That soul a pure and high one ! That his honor 

Suffers no stain! A woman's intuition 

Scorns facfls and circumstances, leaps to truth — 

And by it I afl&rm his innocence! 

Cellini 
He has afi&rmed himself of princely rank. 



THE FI.ORENTINES 113 

lyEONORA 

I guessed aright! Then it is true, he is! 
And being so he stands beyond temptation. 
Your doubt requires evidence. 'Tis here! 

Cei^lini 
A woman's reasoning! But I, my lady, 
Have looked on faces that deceive before. 
Believe me, there are mirrors that refledl 
Only the noblest, customary thoughts. 
Yet from the depths may suddenly arise. 
Conjured by swift temptation, impulses 
That cast no shadow while they slept beneath. 

I^EONORA 

Suspicion ever seeks to justify 

Its wrong by reference to experience! 

Cellini 
Would that I had your faith! Yet should I fail 
To follow now the only clew I have — 
For every indication points to him — 
The time allowed to me will quickly pass 
With no advantage gained. And then Cellini 



114 THE FI.ORENTINES 

Must face — who knows what peril ? While his 

name, 
Honored 'til now, stands branded with vile theft. 

Eeonora 
Cellini, he is innocent! Believe me! 
You must not point suspicion toward Marsilio. 

Cellini 
Whom else, if not Marsilio? I have 
No other clew. My freedom is at stake — 
Nay, more, my honor. I must find the ring! 

lyEONORA 

What is it worth ? My purse is at your service. 

Cellini {aside) 

She loves him well — that boy ! 

( To Leonora) Your offer, lady, 
Is generous indeed, but I cannot 
Propose to pay for it and in effect 
Confess to guilt. I need the ring, not money. 

IvEONORA {anxiously) 
What reasons gave Marsilio for departure ? 



THE FLORENTINES 115 

Cki^lini 
Political. This must not be divulged! 
If lie spoke truth, disclosure now means ruin. 

L/EONORA {beseechingly^ 
Then you will say no more of him at present ? 

Cellini {slowly) 
My Lady Leonora, if I should, 
In deference to your wishes, hold my peace, 
Nor call attention to Marsilio, 
And risk all on your intuition, will 
You give Cellini opportunity 
To gain a fame hereafter that will balance 
Present dishonor of his name in Florence ? 

Leonora 
How can I do it ? 

Cellini 

In the admiration 

Men feel for genius they forget the man. 

Heaven means that I should sculpt Andromeda! 

I need a model! 

Leonora 

Cellini, do not speak! 



ii6 THE FLORENTINES 

CelIwINI (^pleadingly') 
Only your arm, my lady. Only that! 
Show me the arm. The rest leave to my skill! 

Leonora 
And this will save Marsilio ? 

CELIvINI 

I promise — 
Whether he has the ring or not! — I promise! 

Leonora 
What shall I tell the Duchess? 

Cei,i.ini 

Say to her 

The work that she wants done will be completed. 
The service you do Art commands my zeal ! 
The bulk of it, in any case, my workman 
Can do 'neath my directions. Tell not that! 
Lady, remember that we have exchanged 
Our promises! 

\Leonora gives him her hand. His eye fol- 
lows the lines of the arm. 

Leonora 
And I am still your debtor! 
Trust me, Messer Cellini, our good Duke 



THE FLORENTINES 117 

Will find the one who really stole the ring. 

[Exit IvEONORA. Enter Da Trotti a7id 
ToRELivO. They salute lyEONORA as 
she passes them. 

Da Trotti 
A devilish fix, good Benvenuto! How 
Can I assist? My means are at. your service. 
TOREIvI.0 

And mine, no less! There is no man in Florence 
I'd sooner swear by! 

Cellini 

Friends, my heart is full! 

Da Trotti 
Keep up good courage, Benvenuto ! Surely 
A day or two will bring the truth to light. 

Cellini 
I think it will. Well, friends, 'tis not the first 
Imprisonment I've known. This present cell 
Is comfortable. You will bring the news 
And hush reports. Da Trotti, by our friendship! 
Yes, as 3'ou say, a day or two will bring 
The truth to light! Be rid of care for me. 



ii8 THE FLORENTINES 

You'll leave me now — I have to think, you see — 
Of how to trace the thief. No ! No ! /' // do it ! 

TORELLO 
Why, let us help you! Tell us what you think. 
We'll trace the fellow. Will we not, Da Trotti ? 

Da Trotti 
Ah, that we will ! We old ones have ideas. 

Cellini 
I beg of you, my friends, let me plan all — 
{^Humorously') In concert with my good friend 
the Bargello — 

TORELLO 

But we can do a little work in secret ? 

Cellini (^earnestly) 
Torello, as you love me, make no move ! 
lyCt no good friend of mine concern himself 
In this ! It is my matter. I know how 
Cellini wants the search condudled ! Nay, 
Be not offended ! I am grateful, truly ! 
But you know me of old — must have my way ! 



THE FLORENTINES 119 

(^Shouting) Ho, guards ! Bring wine — the best 

you have — in haste ! 

[ Wine is hastily brought from the rear room. 
Friends, we will drink — 

Da Trotti 
Your prompt release ! 

TORELLO 

Your health ! 

CELI.INI (^excitedly) 

No ! Would you honor me ? Then drink to 

Fame. 

{Sadly) Fame for Cellini, cost it what it may! 



CURTAIN 



ACT III 



Scene. — A room in the Palace used as a workshop 
by Cellini. Furnishing shows much regard 
for comfort as well as elegance. A screen 
hides couch, etc. , in left corner. 

Discovered : Cellini enters, and stands before a 
small wax statue of Andromeda, covered with 
cloths. 



Cellini {pleased) 
Delightful while it lasts ! My twenty days 
Up full two weeks ago. It is a marvel 
How Heaven can forgive my many sins 
And keep such watch on my behalf ! 'Tis fin- 
ished ! 
Only in wax — mere model, but I have it ! 
{Enthusiastically') When Cosimo is well enougli 

to talk 
I'll beg that piece of marble Bandinello 

{^Enter Da Trotti, u. r. e. 

Thinks his already — Welcome, good Da Trotti ! 

123 



124 I'HE FLORENTINES 

Da Trotti 
My Benvenuto, is there in all Florence 
A man with luck like yours ? Four weeks ago 
I trembled for your head. To-day I find — 

Cellini 

Cellini, wondering if another hour 
Will see all changed ! The Duke's, astrologer 
Tells me his lordship has at last recovered 
From his long illness — and talks of that ring ! 
(/« worried tones) And none too kindly of my 
humble self. 

Da Trotti 
The very devil ! So that is the secret ? 
Cosimo ill abed — Cellini lords it! 
The Duke recovered — quite a different story ! 

Cellini 
I count no little now upon the favor 
Of that fool Duchess, who, for all her boasting 
Of love of Art, can never tell the difference — 
A lucky thing for me ! — between the work 
I do myself and that of my best workman. 



THE FLORENTINES 125 

Da Trotti {laughing^ 
He does the work and you devote your time — 

Cellini (^proudly') 
To Art ! Not trinkets for a silly woman. 
Behold my model for the masterpiece 
Which makes you famous — as Cellini's friend! 
[Da Trotti looks at the wax -model, par- 
tially removing cloths. 

Da Trotti 
Magnificent ! What symmetry ! Wherever 
Did you find woman with a form so perfect ? 
I swear to you in all of my experience 
I never have beheld the like ! Who is it ? 

\Servant e^iters u. R. E. 

Servant (^annouyidng^ 
The Prince of Perombino ! 

[Enter Marsilio, u. r. e. 

Cellini 

'Tis Marsilio ! 
He comes back ! Then he must be innocent ! 



126 THE FLORENTINES 

Marsiuo {cordially) 
How comes it, Benvenuto, you have moved 
Your workshop to the Palace ? On the streets 
I hear all sorts of rumors of Cellini — 
Some say a guest, some say a prisoner. 
And yet no one to tell the cause. I greet you, 
In any case, my truest and best friend. 

CelIwINI (^surveying him, in mock admiration) 
So you are Lord of Perombino now ! 
Splendid, Marsilio! I will visit you 
Some day when I am needed less in Florence. 

Da Trotti 
You are the youth who told us of the lady 
Upon the house-top! 'Twas a pretty tale. 
And graciously you told it. You were then 
My friend's apprentice, now a prince ! Indeed, 
This must be politics! Let me depart 
And tender my respedts to our good Duchess. 
Prince of Perombino, congratulations! 

[Exit Da Trotti, u. r. e. 
Cellini {in dispirited tones) 
Marsilio, I can deceive such fools 
As old Da Trotti, and make them believe 



THE FLORENTINES 127 

My heart the merriest in Florence. You, lad, 
Are far too dear to me for that. To you 
I say. Art fails ! My spirit's broken ! 

MARSILtIO 

Dear Benvenuto, all is mystery ! 

Cellini 
The night you left, that diamond the Duke 
Placed in my hands to set, a stone that's worth 
Some twenty thousand ducats, disappeared. 
He dares suspe(5l my honor ! 

Marsilio 

Yours, Cellini! 
This is incredible ! 

Cellini 

But none less true ! 
I cannot even guess who might have taken it. 
My time for search is up. Well, I have done 
Something at least to count against the loss 
Of my good name ! There, boy, I have in wax 
What will, in marble, stand a monument 
To me when both of us are dust. Behold ! 



128 THE FLORENTINES 

Andromeda ! — great Heaven, I forgot ! 

[Marsilio draws the wrappings aside. 
He throws them over the right hand 
of statue. 

MARSII.IO 

I cannot be mistaken ! It is she ! 

That perfedl form imprinted on my mind 

There in the sunlight ! And that faultless arm ! 

CELIvINI 

Well, do you think Cellini is a sculptor? 

Marsilio {fiercely) 
I think him a false friend, a lying villain ! 

Celi^ini {angrily) 
Art mad, boy, that you hold your life so lightly ? 
Withdraw those words ! Not even you may say 

them ! 
I tell you, boy {pleadingly), Marsilio, withdraw 

them. 

MARSII.IO {still more angrily) 
I tell you draw your sword, for I repeat them! 



THE FLORENTINES 129 

Traitor ! I trusted you ! There is the proof 
Of your vile perfidy ! 

[Pointing to Andromeda. 

CEL-LINI 

I might explain. 
But is my honor at so low an ebb 
That I must thus reply to insult ? Why 
{Aloud to himself) It would be death for him to 

fight with me! 
I love you, boy! I will explain. 

Marsilio 

Think not 

To gloss with words your treason to our friend- 
ship! 

I should have known how you regard all women .' 

I swear, boy, she is true to you! See, I, 
Cellini, who have never trusted woman, 
Will testify for Lady Leonora! 

Marsilio 
There is the evidence! I want no more! 
She whom I would have sworn the loftiest 



130 THE FLORENTINES 

In all the world, the model of Cellini! 

You can explain! There is no explanation! 

To-morrow I return to Perombino, 

No more the trusting boy, for I have learned 

How false a friend can be — how vile a woman! 

CkIyLINI {restraining his anger') 
When you have learned the truth, Marsilio, 
You will ask pardon — aye, from both of us! 

MARSII.IO 

The truth! Where can the truth be found? 
Five weeks ago she gave her troth to me. 
Softer than this poor wax I look upon 
Must be the modesty that melts before 
The flattery and cozening words of one 
Who dares not face the penalty of wrong! 

^Drawing his sword. 

Celi^ini {aloud to himself) 
Restrain yourself! Remember, Benvenuto, 
The boy is young and cannot guess the facfts! 
i^To Marsiuo) MarsiUo, I will not fight with 
you! 



THE FLORENTINES 131 

MarsiIvIO (^approaches, about to strike him) 
Coward! Will you respond to this! 

[Enter Duchess and Leonora, r. u. r. e. 

CELI.INI 

The ladies! 

[Leonora, radiant, looks at Marsii,io, who 

avoids her eye in his formal salutation. 

Duchess 
Benvenuto, I have come to warn you; 
My lord is out of bed and in a rage. 
It would fare badly with you should he come 
And not find you engaged on work for me. 
Start something new — a bracelet with four Cupids 
Shooting their arrows at a hundred Gods! 

Cei^LINI {in half -veiled sarcasm) 
My lady, future ages would requite you 
For your devotion to the cause of Art — 
Should I work out such marvelous design! 
{Pleasa7itly) Permit me to commend to your 

kind favor 
The Duke's good friend, the Prince of Perom- 

bino. 



132 THE FLORENTINES 

I^EONORA 
Of Perombino ! 

Duchess 
Welcome to our Court, 

My Lord of Perombino ! Leonora, 

Do you extend our hospitality 

To our new guest the while I find a means 

To gain reprieve for this enchanting artist. 

Friend Benvenuto, will you sketch the bracelet ? 

\Exil Duchess a7id Cei^lini, supplicating 

aid front Heaven as she carries him off. 

Leonora (^joyfully') 
Marsilio! I knew you were not guilty! 

Marsii^io (^starting back) 
Not guilty! I! What jest is this? I find 
The man I trusted perfidy itself, 
The woman I have worshiped but poor clay, 
And then am told I am not guilty. Oh! 
(^Bitterly) Indeed I am. Guilty of a blind faith! 
Guilty of trusting in a woman! Guilty — 

Leonora {anxiously) 
Surely you are not well, Marsilio! 



THE FI.ORENTINES 133 

I must forgive you. You have traveled far 
And in great haste. 

MARSII.10 {bitterly) 

Aye, thinking to greet you 
With news of my new circumstances. What 
Was Perombino to an hour with her 
Who seemed the brightest star of all that lighted 
The road to Florence! I come, and then I see 
How she beguiles the hours of m^^ absence ! 

\Pointing to Andromeda. 

Leonora {laughing) 
Is that the cause of this tirade ? I thought 
Your senses had departed! You are jealous! 
A little jealousy is love's best proof! 
Again I do forgive you. If you knew 
The way Cellini won permission, you 
Would speak so differently ! 

Marsilio 

How can you treat 

So lightly such dishonor? Do not shrink 

And gaze at me protestingly, as if 

I did you some great wrong! Cellini's model! 



134 I'HE FLORENTINES 

All Florence — aye, and all of Italy — 

(/« bitter scorn') So to regard the Lady Leonora, 

Who was the promised bride of Perombino! 

Leonora (indig7iantly) 
And this is love! You came to us a stranger; 
I asked no proofs of what you were, beyond 
The light I thought I saw upon your face! 
You said : "Trust me, my lady," and I trusted. 
Love says: "Trust one you love." How am I 

trusted ? 
Condemned unheard — upon what evidence! 

Marsilio {pointing to statue') 
Who would need more than that? I am not 
blind! 

Leonora (^scornfully) 
Am I unworthy, then, because Cellini 
Has modeled my poor arm ? And under what 
Conditions! You believe 'twas vanity, 
I doubt not now, which prompted me. Leave me! 
I never wish to see your face again ! 
The insult you have offered I forgive, 
But one does not forget! 



THE FLORENTINES 135 

Marsilio (^softening) 

If it had been 
Only the arm ! I know he is persistent, 
And thinks his fame rests on it! But that statue! 
'Tis more than just the arm! 

lyEONORA (^greatly surprised^ 

And I, you think, 
Posed for Andromeda ? Why, now I see 
The reason for your madness. How could you 
Think such a thought of one you claimed to love! 

MARSIIvIO 

I would you had more just cause for resentment. 
Oh, Lady Leonora, every word 
That I have spoken has more tortured me 
To speak than you to hear, yet they are said, 
And they were truthful words. There is the 

proof ! 
You were the model for that statue ! You ! 
I thought your soul and form alike were perfedt ! 
{^Passionately^ There is the perfedt form ! Aye, 

that is faultless ! 
The soul! God's pity on the soul — not man's! 
For men do not forgive! 



136 THE FIvORENTlNES 

IvEONORA {indignantly^ 

You still believe 
That I posed for Cellini ? 

MARSII.IO 

'Tis your form ! 
Its lines are printed on my memory — 

{She shrinks back, confused. 
I cannot be deceived ! 

Leonora 

Silence! The Duke! 
[Enter Dukk Cosimo and Riccio, u. r. e. 
Duke {cordially, taking and holding Marsiwo's 

hand) 
You have succeeded, Prince of Perombino ! 
'Tis a good seaport town you hold. Its strength 
Will count in our alliance. We are friends ! 
Tell me, was there not something — ah, a jewel! — 
You much admired that I promised you. 
Well, lyeonora ! You showed him that gem! 

Leonora 
Uncle! 

Duke {suddenly seeing Andromeda) 

What's this ? That brilliant knave, Cellini! 



THE FLORENTINES 137 

Yet he must hang unless that ring's produced! 

Eeonora 
I shall bring 3'ou, my lord, your gem colledtion. 
[Exit Eeonora. E7iter Bandinello. 

BANDiNEi.1.0 {sinking on his knee and kissing the 

Duke's hand) 
My honored master! My most generous patron! 
The heart of Bandinello thrills with joy 
To learn you have recovered health! 

Duke 

That marble! 

[Bandineli^o hastily rises. 

'Tis in your mind, I doubt not. 

Bandinello 

Nay, my lord, 

There have I vision of a rare creation 
Which in Carrara marble will delight 
Your Excellency ! May I have the block ? 

[Cellini enters quietly, remaining un- 
noticed. 

Duke 
I meant it for that rascal, Benvenuto. 



138 THE FI^ORENTINES 

Riccio {not perceiving Cei^Wni) 
If he is hanged because he stole your ring, 
How can he use the marble, noble Duke ? 

Duke 
True, true! Ha! in my illness I forgot 
To count time closely on him. Have him sum- 
moned! 

Cellini {bowi7ig profoundly) 
My lord, I am rejoiced at your recovery. 

Duke {stiffly) 
You might have more occasion to rejoice 
Had I my ring recovered! I gave you 
More than sufi&cient time to find it. Now 
Patience is at an end. The ring, Cellini! 

[FedERIGA e?iters quietly , and, startled to see 
others present, hides behind the screen. 
Cellini {indignantly) 
That ring was stolen from me, Duke of Florence! 
By whom, I do not know. I have learned 

nothing. 

Riccio 

Come, man, confess! Rings do not walk away, 

Despising well-locked doors like yours, Cellini. 



THE FLORENTINES 139 

BANDIlSrEl^IvO 

Should he confess, illustrious Duke, then I, 
At whom he has so often cast vile insults, 
Will ask for mercy for him. Why ? Because, 
Altho' his work is bad beyond redemption, 
Cellini did aspire to be a sculptor. 

Cellini (^controlling himself^ 
My lord, to die is nothing. I have faced 
Death in a hundred forms and laughed at him. 
But to stand here and let that hypocrite, 

\Pointhig to Bandinello. 
That maker of bad statues, criticize 
Work done with Heaven's favor — hear him utter 
Sacrilege, nor run my blade thro' him! — 
(^Deferentially^) That is the highest tribute I have 

paid. 
Ever, to your illustrious presence. 

Duke 

Silence! 
It matters not that you hate one another — 
That but proves both are artists. 'Tis the ring 
I want! 



I40 THE FLORENTINES 

Cei.i*ini {earnestly) 

Then join me in my prayer for inspiration 
Asking that it commence where thought has 

ended, 
For reasoning has led to naught. 

Riccio {spitefully) 

Mere words! 

Cellini {to Duke) 
In all my life I never was so earnest. 
Think what this means to me! My honor 
Questioned by one as low as Riccio ? 

Duke 
Unto our every interrogation 
Have you replied it was a robbery; 
But never once has it appeared to us 
Why you have steadily maintained a silence 
When the Bargello sought from you the facts 
On which to found a full investigation. 

Cellini 
Because the man who would have been suspe<5ted 
I felt was innocent — and now I know it. 



THE FLORENTINES 141 

Puke 
Toward whom, then, would the fadls have 
pointed ? 

Cellini 
No one! 

Duke 
We give you every chance. Could there be one 
Among your household ? 

Cellini {half despairingly^ 

I had even sent 
My model Federiga from my workshop. 
I was asleep. It was some stranger entered. 

Marsilio {starting forward) 
Duke Cosimo! 

Duke 
My Lord of Perombino! 

Marsilio 
Cellini is mistaken. I was there. 
I bear no love to him for best of reasons. 
Standing prepared to give him satisfadlion, 
I call him traitor, scoundrel ! I believe 
That he would steal a jewel from a friend — 



142 THE FI^ORENTINES 

Cellini 

Marsilio! 

Marsilio 
But not from an employer! 
I was not there alone ! This Federiga — 

[Federiga, badly frightened, peeps from 
behind the screen. 

Cellini 
She did not take it! That fool girl loves me! 

Duke 
Yet she may give a clew. Has she been ques- 
tioned ? 

Cellini 
My lord, it was not she — could not have been. 
Since I have been here she has called to see me 
A dozen times, weeping in her old fashion, 
Because I told her she was fit to be 
The model for a man like Bandinello. 

[Bandinello protests. 
I know these women! They are jealous crea- 
tures! 
Why, only yesterday I caught her seeking 



THE FLORENTINES 143 

A chance — I would have killed her! — to destroy 
Andromeda ! Or else why was she near it ? 
'Tis jealousy! 

Marsilio {aside, fervently') 

I would that she had done it! 

Cellini 
It was not she ! Dismiss all thought of her. 

Duke 
You do not help us. Who could it have been ? 
\Enter Leonora with casket of gems, u. r. e. 

Leonora {to Duke) 
Here is your gem coUedlion. 

Duke {placing it on a small table, he 
addresses Marsilio significantly') 

Tell me, Prince, 
If it contains the jewel you admired. 
'Twere well you take to Perombino something 
By which you may remember our fair Florence. 
\Enter Da Trotti, u. r. e. , bearing a bag 
of coin. 

Marsilio 
To let your kindness rob you of one gem 



144 THE FLORENTINES 

Were poor repayment of my obligation. 

\The Duke regards Marsilio in amazement. 

Da Trotti 
Your Excellency, for the words I speak 
I risk Cellini's anger. I have lived 
Not quite as many years as some may think, 
But long enough to study many men — 
Not to omit some women. I will swear 
My good friend Benvenuto has no knowledge 
To help locate the ring. Yet it is gone. 
You, my lord Duke, must certainly not suffer 
The loss of its true value. Benvenuto, 
You must not think my act can stain your honor. 
See! Here are thirty thousand ducats — more, 

[Showing bag of money. 
Perhaps, than it is worth. I seek to buy 
Your title to the stone, your Excellency, 
And then give Benvenuto all the time 
He may require to pursue the search. 

Duke {calculatingly') 
'Twas worth full five and thirty thousand. Yet 
Because I like your loyalty to friendship 



THE FivORENTINES 145 

I shall accept, provided that this figure 

[Pointitig to Andromeda. 
Goes with the money. 

Marsilio {aside) 

Nay, a curse goes with it! 

Cei.i,ini {proudly) 
It matters not who owns it, so it be 
Preserved. 'Tis yours, my lord. If I permit 
Da Trotti to become my creditor 
'Tis with the reservation I maintain 
The right with any man of any rank, 
Duke Cosimo, in fair fight to defend 
The honor of Cellini. 

Da Trotti {hanging purse on arm near covered 
hand) 

Here, my lord, 
You have your ring's equivalent in money 
And a great masterpiece! They go together! 

Duke 
Friend Benvenuto, draw aside the folds ! 
I^et me be first to see your splendid work. 

Leonora 
Not so, my lord. I have seen part of it. 



146 THE FLORENTINES 

Marsilio {puzzled) 
A part of it ! 

IvEONORA 

The Duchess being with me, 
As his reward for services I valued 
I let him make a copy of this arm. 

Duke 
Your arm! Aye, 'tis a fair one. 

[Looking at statue. 
What a form! 
Is't possible this world contains its like ? 
What say you, Prince, to this? 

Marsilio {sadly) 

I think such beauty 
Were fit but to embody the pure souls 
That dwell in Paradise — not those of earth. 

Duke {pointing to the bag of money which hangs 
so as to hold wrappings on the harid) 

Such detail! See, this bag has caught and holds 
The wrappings on the hand. Remove it. 

[The missing ring is on the finger. 

Ai<L {amazed) 

What ! I 



THE FI.ORENTINES 147 

Cellini {triumphantly^ 
The ring ! How came it here ? {Inspiration- 
ally) A miracle! 

[ Turning to Marsiuo. 

You scoffed, boy, at my aureole — behold 
How Heaven still regards me with its favor 
In spite of all my sins ! 

Riccio {pointing to Cellini) 

He put it there! 

Cellini 
You rascal! What a mind you have to say that! 
It must have been an angel. placed it there! 
{Grandly) For this I do forgive all who have 

wronged me! 
{Reflectively) Where did that angel find it ? 

[FedERIGA rushes fro^n behind screen. 
{Astonished) Federiga! 
Federiga {on her knees) 
Oh, Benvenuto, then you pardon me! 

Cellini {disgustedly) 
You aided me — not something spiritual! 

Riccio {nervously^ 
What matter so the ring be found, my lord ? 



148 THE FI.ORENTINES 

In spite of all this man has said against me, 
I beg this miserable business be 
Forgotten. 

Duke 
So you have a fondness for 
This wretched girl, who has so nearly caused — 
Annoyance — to my good friend Benvenuto! 

\A slight pause. 

Cellini {theatrically^ 
Illustrious Duke of Florence, would you do 
An a<5t of perfe(5l justice to a man 
Who merits some return for heavy suffering! 

Duke 
Yes, Benvenuto, you have claims upon me. 

Cellini {pointing to Riccio) 
Here is a man I do not wholly like. 
{Lightly) I find his face unpleasant. And there 

stands 
{Earnestly) A girl whose a<5lions have caused me 

to suffer 
As I pray God I never shall again. 
Now, Riccio loves her. The blind could see it. 



THE FLORENTINES 149 

Both should be punished. lyct the two be married ! 
[Riccio grasps Federiga's hand, and 
draws her, disgusted, to his side. 

Duke {laughing heartily^ 
Ever a jester ! Have your will, my friend. 
As for yourself — the model of that statue 
Must be the fairest woman in the land — 
You marry her! 

Celuni 
What ! marry my own child ? 

Marsiuo 
Cellini ! 

Duke 
Benvenuto! 

Cellini 

Four weeks old ! 

Da Trotti 
Poor fellow! He has worried himself ill. 

Cellini {enthusiastically) 
No! I have vindicated all my boasts! 
I am a genius ! In this brain of mine 
There glows the fire celestial. To the lady 
Whose beauty, grace, and purity of soul 



I50 THE FLORENTINES 

Have stirred me to my best, I owe the arm. 
Its wondrous symmetry was inspiration, 
The body in its every measurement 
Is in exact proportion, and hence perfect ! 

Marsilio 
Perfect! No wonder I thought her the model ! 
[He looks at IvEONORA, pleading forgive- 
ness. She fixes her gaze upon the 
statue. 

DuKK 
You are a marvel ! 

Cei<IvIni 

So King Francis said. 

Duke {irritated) 
What does France know of Art ? The Duke of 

Florence 
Gives place to none in his appreciation ! 

Celuni (regretfully) 
And yet that piece of fine Carrara marble, 
Out of which I might duplicate this triumph, 
I understand is given to Bandinello. 



THE FLORENTINES 151 

Duke 
For one of his monstrosities! Absurd ! 

[Cellini salutes Bandinello profotindly. 
'Tis yours! Nor is that all. While I was ill 
The Legate of the Pope departed. Well, 
If he should come again I have more jewels — 
That figure now in wax give me in marble. 

{Giving ki7fi the ring. 
{Graciously) When you gaze on this ring, remem- 
ber Cosimo! 

Cellini 
My generous patron! I forget King Francis! 

Duke 
And you, dear Prince! You, too, must have a 

token 
Of Cosimo 's true friendship. 

\P0i71ti71g to Leonora and casket. 
Make selection. 
Marsilio (ferz<e7itly) 
My noble friend and ally, if I ask 
The rarest gem in Florence as your gift, 
May it be granted the more readily 
Because it will be held by one who deems it 
His to be cherished for eternity. 



152 THE FLORENTINES 

Duke {smiling) 
I would be generous, but your avowal 
That you desire the choicest of all gems 
Really compels some hesitation. Tell me, 
My lyconora, what would you advise ? 

Marsilio {approaching her beseechingly) 
Dear lady, if you know how greatly I 
Aspire to be held worthy of such a gift, 
How deeply I regret what I have done 
To make me less deserving of it, you 
Would, in a spirit of forgiveness, say, 
" Make Perombino its custodian!" 

Leonora {archly') 
Good uncle, I ask you, to whose nice judgment 
All Italy defers, to give advice. 
Tell me how I should counsel you to answer 
Marsilio's request ? 

Duke {laughing) 

Why, bid me grant it. 

Leonora 
Since such is your desire, I do so! 

[Puts her hand in Marsilio'S. 



THE FLORENTINES 153 

Cellini (^cordially) 

Boy, in your heart you always loved Cellini! 

Come, I forgive you! How could I expedt 

That you would guess the story of my statue ? 

{Humorously^ Here is a ring fit for the Pope 

himself, 

[All laugh. 

And here's a finger it will grace. ( To Mar- 

siLio) You surely 
Do not objedl because I note its beauty ? 
Wear it, sweet lady. Hold it as a token 
{Gravely) That I have learned to understand the 

worth 
Of woman's grace and purity! Yes, I! 

Duke {laughing) 
Upon my faith, were I not the most constant 
Of husbands I would think of beauty too. 
Come, Benvenuto, 'tis a time for marrying! 
Tell us, what are your plans ? 

Cellini {throwing his arm around Andromeda) 

I am a sculptor! 

THE curtain falls 



NOV •'/^ i«n^ 



